Despite its controversial existence, premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) is a commonly known, if slightly misunderstood, condition. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), however, is a rarer, more extreme PMS-like condition. Although the two are similar, they differ widely in their classification, severity, and manageability.
What is PMS?
PMS occurs in the luteal phase (from the day of ovulation up to the first day of menses) of the menstrual cycle. Although the exact cause is unknown, research suggests higher amounts of progesterone, the hormone that helps prepare the reproductive system for fertilization, may play a role. Levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood control, among other things, may also be lower. More than three-quarters of women are estimated to experience at least one symptom of PMS every month.
Emotional symptoms may include:
- Mood swings
- Anger and irritability
- Depression and bouts of crying, or
- Anxiety
- Behavioral changes often occur as well, in the form of:
- Extreme hunger or food cravings
- Exhaustion or insomnia
- Difficulty with concentration and memory, or
- Social withdrawal
Physical symptoms often revolve around aches and pains, particularly headaches, backaches, and dysmenorrhea (cramping). Other physical responses to chemical changes during the luteal phase are:
- Increased acne breakouts
- Tender breasts
- Bloating, water retention, and/or weight gain, and
- Gastrointestinal upset in the form of constipation or diarrhea
What is PMDD?
PMDD has much smaller incidence rate, with less than 10% of women falling under the diagnostic criteria. Symptoms are nearly identical to those of PMS, with one marked exception—severity. Emotional disruptions can be so extreme as to cause serious strife amongst interpersonal relationships and both emotional and physical symptoms may disrupt other areas of life to a much larger degree.
What’s the Difference?
The severity of the symptoms is the largest difference between the two. Additionally, although PMS is indeed considered included more amongst medical conditions, PMDD is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a guide for psychiatric diagnosis. The diagnostic standards are very similar to those of major depressive disorder, the biggest difference between the two being that symptoms occur during the luteal phase instead of at any time. Essentially, the emotional symptoms of PMDD are markedly stronger than those of PMS.
While PMS sufferers may be more inclined to mood swings or occasional irritability or sadness, PMDD means mildly depressed becomes feelings of complete hopelessness, irritability becomes hostility, and minor tension becomes extremely anxiety. It can be frustrating and confusing to manage either disorder, but PMDD can be much more difficult.
