Ever heard of this term?<\/p>\n
I guess many people haven’t.<\/p>\n
Me neither, till a few weeks back.<\/p>\n
PMDD = Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder<\/p>\n
I’ve always thought the extreme change in my mood, the uncontrollable anger which I lashed out at people close to me, are just mere symptoms of the usual PMS. Just perhaps slightly more “severe” PMS. \u00a0But nope, they actually had a medical term for it.<\/p>\n
PMDD.<\/p>\n
I have no idea when this started. \u00a0But if one ask around, from people like Reko to xiao di to Bear, I’m sure they can tell you the same thing about me. I’m a relatively nice person, except when I’m in that kind of mood, and usually “that kind of mood” occurred during “that time of the month”.<\/p>\n
Right. \u00a0Definition of PMDD:<\/p>\n
\n\nPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation<\/a>. The symptoms of PMDD are more severe than those seen with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
PMS refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5-11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually stop when, or shortly after, her period begins.<\/p>\n
– From PubMed Health<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
How did I stumble upon this medical term? \u00a0Well, during my latest tantrum (which was just a few days ago), Bear almost threw in the towel and call it quits. \u00a0He didn’t understand how I could still proclaim that I love him when I could easily flipped from just being a normal, caring girlfriend to someone who gets irritated, hung up and lambasted him over just a small thing that he said. \u00a0In my defense, I only wanted to show him articles of PMS (because he actually didn’t know it was the period that I’m having PMS). \u00a0I googled for “uncontrollable anger during PMS” (because it was really uncontrollable for me), and accidentally stumbled upon the articles that really talked about this symptom – uncontrollable anger.<\/p>\n
The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS. However, they are generally more severe and debilitating and include a least one mood-related symptom. Symptoms occur during the week just before menstrual bleeding<\/a> and usually improve within a few days after the period starts.<\/p>\n
Five or more of the following symptoms must be present to diagnose PMDD, including one mood-related symptom:<\/p>\n
\n
- \n
No interest in daily activities and relationships<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Fatigue or low energy<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Feeling of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Feelings of tension or anxiety<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Feeling out of control<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Food cravings or binge eating<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Mood swings\u00a0with periods of crying<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Panic attacks<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Irritability or anger that affects other people<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Problems sleeping<\/div>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Trouble concentrating<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\nFrom the same article as quoted above. \u00a0I looked through the list, and checked what symptoms I actually have. \u00a0Five or more symptoms should be observed before I could say I suffer from PMDD.<\/p>\n
\n
- Fatigue or low energy<\/li>\n
- Feeling of sadness
or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts<\/del><\/li>\n- Feelings of tension or anxiety<\/li>\n
- Food cravings
or binge eating<\/del><\/li>\n- Mood swings with periods of crying<\/li>\n
- Irritability or anger that affects other people<\/li>\n
- Physical symptoms,\u00a0such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Seven symptoms. \u00a0I don’t think I’m a “borderline” case anymore.<\/p>\n
Other websites are even more helpful in determining whether I am suffering from PMDD or not:<\/p>\n
During this two-week period other symptoms are experienced as well, including the following:<\/p>\n
\n
- Anxiety and a feeling of being on edge.<\/li>\n
- Severe mood swings up and down with tears, extreme sensitivity to abandonment, and rejection.<\/li>\n
- Anger and increased conflict.<\/li>\n
- Decreased interest in usual activities.<\/li>\n
- Feelings of being overwhelmed as well as feeling out of control.<\/li>\n
- Physical symptoms, including joint and muscle pain, as well as weight gain and headaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n