PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects a small percentage of teenage girls. Understanding PMDD in teens is crucial for not only those who suffer from it but also their loved ones and healthcare providers.
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What Is PMDD?
PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects approximately 5-8% of menstruating women. PMDD is a hormone-based mood disorder characterized by extreme emotional and physical symptoms that occur before the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle and subside shortly after menstruation begins.
The exact cause of PMDD in teens is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the fluctuation of hormones during the menstrual cycle. Women with a personal or family history of depression or other mood disorders may be more susceptible to developing PMDD.
If you think you may be experiencing PMDD symptoms, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help diagnose and provide appropriate teen therapy so you can manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
What Are The Symptoms Of PMDD?
- Intense mood swings: Women with PMDD may experience sudden and extreme changes in mood, such as feeling very sad, anxious, irritable, angry, or even depressed. These mood swings can interfere with daily activities and relationships.
- Severe irritability or anger: Irritability and anger are common symptoms of PMDD in teens. Even small things can trigger intense rage or frustration in women with this condition. We offer anger management for teens.
- Anxiety and tension: Many women with PMDD experience feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or tension. They may also have trouble concentrating and feel on edge all the time.
- Fatigue: Women with PMDD often feel fatigued for no apparent reason. This can make it difficult to perform daily tasks or participate in activities they usually enjoy.
- Changes in appetite: Some women with PMDD experience changes in appetite, such as food cravings, binge eating, or loss of appetite.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) are common symptoms of PMDD.
- Physical symptoms: Women with PMDD may also experience physical symptoms similar to PMS, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint pain, and muscle aches.
Seek professional help if you are experiencing a recurrence of one or more symptoms of PMDD in teens. Learn about our mental health treatment for teens and what we treat.
What Is The Difference Between PMDD And PMS?
Firstly, PMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects about 3-8% of menstruating women. While PMS is a mild condition that causes physical and emotional discomfort in the days leading up to menstruation, PMDD in teens is characterized by extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and other severe psychological symptoms.
Secondly, the timing of symptoms is another key difference between PMDD and PMS. In most cases, PMS symptoms start a week or two before menstruation begins and end within a few days after it starts. On the other hand, PMDD symptoms usually begin later in the menstrual cycle – around one to two weeks before menstruation – and last until the first few days of menstruation.
Furthermore, while hormonal changes influence both PMDD and PMS during the menstrual cycle, their underlying causes are different. Experts believe that PMS is caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. However, researchers have not yet identified the exact cause of PMDD in teens.
How Is PMDD Diagnosed?
To diagnose PMDD in teens, a thorough evaluation must be conducted by a healthcare provider. This typically includes a comprehensive medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing PMDD. These include:
- Presence of at least five physical or emotional symptoms during the week before menstruation.
- Symptoms must significantly interfere with daily activities and relationships.
- Symptoms must not be present at any other time during the menstrual cycle.
- Symptoms must not be due to another medical condition or medication use.
Once these criteria are met, a diagnosis of PMDD can be made. It is important for healthcare providers to also consider any underlying mental health conditions such as depression or teen anxiety which may coexist with PMDD in teens.
How Is PMDD Treated?
Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate the symptoms of PMDD in teens. These include:
- Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood.
- Healthy diet: Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate hormone levels and minimize symptoms.
- Adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and managing PMDD symptoms.
- Stress management techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress levels.
We encourage clients to engage in life skills for teens to practice and develop recovery strategies that can be applied to real-life situations.
Medication
- Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) are effective in reducing PMDD symptoms.
- Birth control pills: Combination oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PMS/PMDD symptoms.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may alleviate physical symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and breast tenderness.
Therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to PMDD symptoms.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, which may help reduce PMDD symptoms.
- Relaxation techniques: Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery can help reduce stress and alleviate PMDD symptoms.
Are There Any Serious Effects Of Untreated PMDD?
Yes, there are several serious effects of untreated PMDD. Some of the most common include:
- Impaired functioning: Untreated PMDD can significantly impact a person’s ability to carry out their daily activities and responsibilities. The symptoms, such as severe mood swings, fatigue, and irritability, can make it difficult for individuals to focus on work or school, maintain relationships, or engage in social activities.
- Increased risk of depression: Women with PMDD are at a higher risk of developing depression if left untreated. This is because the hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can disrupt the brain’s chemical balance and lead to depressive symptoms.
- Relationship problems: The intense emotional changes associated with PMDD can strain relationships with partners, family members, and friends. The irritability and anger may result in conflicts and misunderstandings that could damage these relationships over time.
- Chronic pain: Some women with PMDD may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, bloating, and breast tenderness that can become chronic if left untreated.
- Increased health risks: Studies have shown that untreated PMDD in teens increases the risk of developing other health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in women.
Blume Behavioral Health Can Assist Teenage Girls With PMDD
Blume Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing professional and compassionate mental health services to teenage girls struggling with PMDD. Our team of experienced therapists and counselors have extensive knowledge and expertise in treating PMDD in teens and its related symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PMDD, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Blume Behavioral Health. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Daniel Duel MD is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in General Adult Psychiatry with a focus on Addiction/Substance Use Disorders. As the Medical Director of an outpatient addiction clinic, he oversees a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive care. He has extensive experience treating complex mood, psychosis, OCD, anxiety, and geriatric disorders. Dr. Duel is a UCLA graduate, trained in TMS and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
