Summary: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a serious mood disorder that affects one in twenty women. PMDD can have a debilitating effect on sufferers’ lives. Researchers diagnose PMDD and evaluate treatment options for sufferers.
Source: The conversation
Singer and social media star Dixie D’Amelio recently revealed on Instagram that she has premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In her post, she said how the situation made her “not want to be here anymore” and how she had never felt “so low”.
But PMDD has an effect One in 20 women, very few people know about this. This means many – like D’Amelio – may suffer for years without knowing why they feel the way they do and may not get the help they need. It takes an average 12 years Before people get a proper diagnosis.
What is PMDD?
Prenatal dysphoric disorder a Severe emotional disturbanceWhen people experience distressing and frightening psychological symptoms a week or two before their period begins.
PMDD is not the same as PMS. They vary greatly in weight. Up to 80% of women have experience PMS symptomsIt can cause both emotional and physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness, bloating, crying, or irritability. PMS symptoms are usually treatable and do not significantly affect daily life.
In contrast, PMDD a Debilitating effect In everyday life, it can affect relationships, education and even work. While many of the physical symptoms are similar to PMS, people with PMDD experience more severe psychological symptoms. These include mood swings, hopelessness, anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed and difficulty concentrating.
Some people experience PMDD around the beginning of their period. But others can develop the disease later, such as during pregnancy or after pregnancy Stop breastfeeding Their son.
Although the causes of PMDD are not fully understood, ongoing research is exploring them. There are several possible methods. These include genetic factors, long-term exposure to the hormone progesterone and one of the chemicals it breaks down (alloprenonelone), an abnormal relationship between the hormones estrogen and serotonin, differences in brain structure, and even a history of trauma.
How is it treated?
Most people with PMDD are obsessive about their thoughts Self-harm and suicide. One in three people with PMDD attempt suicide. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness about the disease so that more people can get the help they need.
If you suspect you have PMDD, it’s important to visit a GP to get diagnosed. But before you do, you want to track your menstrual cycle for at least two months. This is important, as it can show your doctor monthly patterns in your mood and how this affects different aspects of your life. they said Many applications You can use it to help you do this, or you can record it in a journal.
It’s PMDD. Commonly administered In different ways. The treatment plan you give may not be the same as the next person.
Many people are prescribed antidepressants known as serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These can Working in hours To improve symptoms in people with PMDD. Although SSRIs can be taken daily, they can only be taken once the symptoms return every month.
Another common treatment is to prescribe hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill. This helps prevent the extreme changes in hormone levels that trigger episodes of PMDD.
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People who do not respond to SSRIs or oral contraceptives may be offered alternative treatments. GnRH analogues, which puts women in a temporary artificial chemical menopause. It is the last resort treatment for women who have not been successful with other treatment options oophrectomyThis surgically removes the ovary.
What can you do?
Finding out you have PMDD can be scary. But luckily, there is support out there. of International Association of Premenstrual DisordersFor example, it has many great resources not only for you, but also for your loved ones and health professionals. They provide information about PMDD and how you can manage it.
Peer support It can even be a life saver. Knowing that you have people you can talk to about your experiences or are going through the same thing can give you strength and hope. If you don’t have friends who are going through the same thing, but there are Intermediate support platforms, Video Support groups and social media platforms where you can Find an online community Other people living with PMDD.
PMDD is only known as a medical condition In 2013It is very recent in medicine. This means that much work remains to be done in terms of improving diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This is the thing. My own research It aims to do.
It is important to raise awareness of PMDD to help people find the right support, but also to educate health professionals about its symptoms and management options. But thanks to people like D’Amelio, PMDD is finally being talked about—hopefully more people will finally get the help they need.
Financial support Lindsay Matthews receives funding from Ress England and the Economic and Social Research Council to carry out PMDD research. Lindsay is associated with the Scottish Government as a member of their Cross Party Group on Women’s Health.
Research news about mood disorders and PMDD
Author: Lynsay Matthews
Source: The conversation
Contact: Lynsay Matthews – The Conversation
Image: The image is in the public domain.