Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating premenstrual condition that produces symptoms of anxiety and depression. PMDD symptoms severely impair a woman’s ability to function in the week prior to menstrual bleeding.
Every aspect of life is affected by PMDD, from work productivity, to intimate relationships. Untreated PMDD has even been linked to suicidal behavior.
Fortunately, effective treatment is available for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMDD treatment can be divided into three broad categories: lifestyle changes, medication, and psychotherapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and PMDD
Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to identify established patterns of negative thinking or behavior and replace those patterns with healthier behavior. CBT is often used to treat depressive disorders.
CBT uses multiple techniques to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Skills taught by cognitive behavioral therapy include thought-stopping (halting negative thoughts before they affect mood or behavior), anger management, anger control, and cognitive restructuring. Cognitive restructuring describes a set of skills designed to change negative behavioral patterns into more productive thoughts and emotions.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been used as a PMDD treatment with some success, but does not benefit everyone. Studies into the effectiveness of CBT as a premenstrual dysphoric disorder have not produced consistent results.
Antidepressants and PMDD
Although the exact causes of PMDD remain unknown, the most accepted theory holds that premenstrual dysphoric disorder results from imbalances in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter necessary for communication between individual nerve cells.
Low levels of serotonin in brain tissue are possible causes of depression. The success of current generation antidepressants called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is thought to be due to SSRI’s ability to maintain appropriate serotonin levels.
SSRIs are rapidly becoming a preferred PMDD treatment, and can significantly reduce premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms. SSRI antidepressants include:
- citalopram (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- fluoxetine (Prozac and Sarafem)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- sertraline (Zoloft).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Home Remedies
A number of home remedies for PMDD exist, most of which are intended to alleviate symptoms. Some women use nutritional supplements, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 as PMDD treatments. The efficiency of nutritional supplements as premenstrual dysphoric disorder treatment is unproven, however. Women using herbal or nutritional supplements should remember that supplements can interact negatively with antidepressants and other medication. Always consult a health professional before treating PMDD with any nutritional or herbal supplement.
Physical symptoms of PMDDs - menstrual cramping, headaches and breast tenderness - may be alleviated with over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin. As with nutritional supplements, it’s best to check with a doctor to ensure pain relievers do not interact with other medication.
Lifestyle changes are the most common PMDD home remedies. Women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder sometimes find symptom relief by:
- eating diets high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- eating small, frequent meals
- engaging in regular aerobic activity
- learning relaxation techniques
- limiting or avoiding alcohol, caffeine, salt and sugar.
Women who live with PMDD often find it helpful to keep a symptom diary, where they can note the timing, frequency and severity of their symptoms. Knowing when symptoms are likely to occur is of great help when planning PMDD treatment.
Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder can generally expect treatment to yield positive results. PMDD symptoms either disappear or are reduced in severity with PMDD treatment. There’s no need to suffer from PMDD symptoms.
Resources:Htay, T., Aung, K., Carrick, J., Papica, R. (Retrieved 9 October, 2009). Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (Retrieved 9 October, 2009). Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder:
Disclaimer
The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
Michael McGrath - Michael McGrath began providing web content shortly after finishing his graduate degree in English at the University of Alberta. His broad ...
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