Who are at risk with PMDD

PMDD Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition marked by severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation. These symptoms are more severe than those seen with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A form of depression exclusive to women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome of depressive symptoms brought about by monthly hormonal fluctuation. While most women have some premenstrual discomfort, far fewer have the severe and disruptive symptoms that make up PMDD. Far fewer doesn't mean rare since PMDD affects between 3 - 8% of women in their reproductive years and has varying degrees of severity that interfere with work, social activities, or interpersonal relationships. Apparently, women in the late third to middle fourth decades of life are most vulnerable to experiencing PMDD. Women with these Risk factors for PMDD include the following:

• Personal history of a major mood disorder
• A family history of mood disorder
• Premenstrual depression
• Premenstrual mood changes
• Past history of sexual abuse
• Past, present, or current domestic violence

Other factors that may play a role include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Drinking large amounts of caffeine
• Having a mother with a history of the disorder
• Lack of exercise

Although premenstrual clinics are reported to be almost exclusively attended by white women, community-based studies found no difference in the prevalence or severity of premenstrual symptoms between black women and white women. Some isolated reports indicate varying individual symptoms but not the overall prevalence of premenstrual symptoms among different racial groups. Pain featured most highly in a sample of Chinese women in Hong Kong. Read How PMDD is diagnosed to check if you are affected by this condition. Diagnosis however, requires evaluation by a trained clinician. It is always best to consult with your doctor.