PMDD Test - Discover If You Have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is an awful condition to have. While some consider it to be akin to regular PMS, the comparison is not really fair. PMS is annoying and difficult to live with. PMS can be painful and cause issues in relationships too, but PMDD is more than this in so many ways. PMDD is more than annoying - it can be life destroying!

The sheer numbers of symptoms of PMDD, and also their severity, have been the architects of the destruction of happy marriages, promising careers, deep friendships and more. It is classed as a psychological condition in fact akin to depression, anxiety, and in some women close to psychosis! This is not a mental condition as such however, it is all caused by hormonal imbalances which affects how our brain functions in regard to moods

So, perhaps you are wondering if you have PMDD now that you know how bad it can be. You might be experiencing this first hand - but how can you differentiate between PMS and PMDD or any other disorder? The answer - do a PMDD Test.

A PMDD Test is just a way that you can determine if you have what they have clinically defined as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. This test was developed by the American Psychiatric Association to define if a patient had PMDD, or if they might have PMS instead - or perhaps a whole other disorder that might be confusing the issue. It is based around the number of symptoms, the severity of symptoms, when they occur, and focuses on a few defining PMDD symptoms as well.

The exact definition is as follows:

To be classified as having Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder you must keep a track of your symptoms and when they occur. A failure to correctly measure your symptoms can lead to incorrect diagnosis you see. In fact, 40% of suspected PMDD cases are actually hormonal changes that are aggravating a separate mood disorder! It is best to keep a diary or chart of these things so you can compare it with this PMDD test checklist:

1. You must have 5 of the symptoms in the following list at least.


2. All these symptoms must occur in the week before your period


3. All of the symptoms must ease a few days after you begin bleeding and absent the week after


4. At least one of the 5 symptoms must come from the first four symptoms listed below


5. The severity of these symptoms must be severe enough that it interferes with your work, social life and relationships.


6. You must have these symptoms for at least two months in a row

• Depression and feelings of hopelessness


• Anxiety and being 'on edge' all the time


• Increased sensitivity such as feeling suddenly sad or tearful and being more sensitive to rejection


• Persistent irritability and anger and increased interpersonal conflicts


• Loss of interest in the things that usually bring you joy


• Difficulty concentrating


• Easy to be fatigued, lack of energy


• Change in appetite - overeating or under eating


• Hypersomnia or insomnia


• Feeling overwhelmed or that life is out of control


• Physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, muscle pain etc