Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ( PMDD )

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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ( PMDD )

Everyone experiences some unhappiness in his or her lifetime whether it is a specific situation or not. It becomes more serious when the cause is a form of "depression." It is a fact that women experience depression about twice as much as men (1). These causes specifically for women can be complex and so are the solutions (3). A common syndrome affecting an estimated 3% to 8% of women in their reproductive years is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) (4). PMDD is specifically known as a mood disorder of severe depression, irritability, and tension with symptoms worsening a week or so before a woman's menstrual period and usually settling out afterwards (5). PMDD can be devastating to all areas of a woman's everyday life, including family relationships, friendships, and the ability to work or go to school (3).

Many people still believe that the emotional symptoms caused by PMDD are not real, and that a woman should be able to shake off the symptoms if only she tried hard enough. Because of these inaccurate beliefs, women with this depression either may not recognize that they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking or staying on treatment. Often, women's concerns regarding their condition are not taken seriously which leads to feelings of self-doubt, frustration and hopelessness (6).

Feeling sad or stressed during a menstrual period doesn't necessarily mean a woman is suffering from PMDD. This is a common assumption made by women who are confused about their emotional state. As a female suffering from PMS monthly, I can admit that PMDD has become questionable in my mind. There have been many times that I have suffered anything from constant tiredne...

... middle of paper ...

...uffering so women can continue to live prosperous and fulfilling lives without the burden of PMDD's awful symptoms.

Sources

1) Did you know? Depression, http://www.depression-net.com/dep.html

2) Information and Treatment for Depression, http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/index.html

3) Women and Depressive Episodes, http://www.womens-health.com/health_center/mental/depress_pms.html

4) Recognizing the range of mood disorders in Women, http://mentalhelp.net/articles/women.htm

5) Health Advice For Women, http://health.indiahit.com/

6) Quick Self-Test, http://www.womens-health.com/health_center/mental/depress_pms.html

7) Symptoms and Treatment for PMDD, http://my.webmd.com/content/article/39/1663_52557

8) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro01/web2/www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55293.html

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