PMS (premenstrual syndrome), PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and mood disorders seem to have innumerable symptoms in common. So is there a clear-cut way to distinguish between them? Well there is and it is about as clear mud. Determining their subtle nuances is like deciphering the DSM-IV and even trained doctors have difficulty in that arena. So how does the sufferer try to get a decent picture of what is what so they know where to go for help or can at least get a handle of their problem? Right here, I hope. After hours of research on several different websites, I have what I think is a fairly clear understanding of the distinctions.

The daunting task in decoding the disparity is knowing that the information given is done voluntarily and relies on the patient to report the symptoms. Overall the descriptions appear to be comparable so that I don?t doubt their validity. The criteria for PMS and PMDD is that any indications must be tracked for at least two cycles and that the severity must occur in the 1 ? 2 weeks prior to menses and that a major reduction or elimination occurs at the onset or shortly after the menstrual period begins.

One major difference to note is that PMS is much more common and that PMDD is actually in the DSM-IV as a psychiatric mood disorder so the symptoms are more acute. PMDD will effect approximately 5% of women during their reproductive years.

Most Frequently Reported Symptoms of PMS

*Irritability
*Fatigue
*Anxiety or tension
*Nervous tension
*Mood swings
*Depression
*Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
*Physical symptoms:
+Swelling or bloating of the abdomen orextremities
+Appetite changes
+Food cravings
+Aches
+Brest Tenderness

PMDD Symptoms

Note: patient must report at least 5 of the following symptoms (can be different symptoms during each cycle) before and during the cycle and they must interfere significantly with work, school, social activities or relationships.

*Marked depressed mood or feeling of hopelessness
*Marked anxiety or tension, feeling keyed up or on edge
*Marked shifts in mood (suddenly tearful or overly sensitive)
*Persistent, marked anger or irritability, increased conflicts
*Loss of interest in usual activities
*Difficulty concentrating and focusing attention
*Lack of energy, feeling easily tired out
*Marked change in appetite, overeating or food cravings
*Sleeping to much or having difficulty sleeping
*Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
*Physical symptoms:
+Breast tenderness or swelling
+Headache
+Joint or muscle pain
+Bloated
+Weight gain

By Terry Coyier

Related Articles