2024-11-05 13:03:00
According to the TDPM France association, it would affect 1.8 to 5.8% of menstruating people. The disorder affects approximately 5% of women of childbearing age.
1. A mental and gynecological illness
This disorder is recognized as a mental illness and a gynecological illness. Who can diagnose it? Classified in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5 – 2013), the premenstrual dysphoric disorder is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or gynecologist. To diagnose the disorder, monitoring of at least two consecutive menstrual cycles is necessary. IF the causes of this disorder are not known, factors genetics et environmental could play a role.
2. Depressive symptoms
The symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder vary “from one person to another but also from one cycle to another,” explains the TDPM France association. They generally appear during ovulation (luteal phase) and subside with the arrival of the period (follicular phase). Unlike the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are multiple and diverse:
The main symptoms:
Secondary symptoms:
3. SPM and TDPM: how to tell the difference?
It is important to differentiate premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which is less severe. In an episode of the podcast “ Chronic ” of MapathoDr Brigitte Letombe, medical gynecologist in Paris explains the differences between the syndrome and the disorder. “The TDPM has a major impact on neurotransmitters because of the ovarian steroids. […] It is a neurotransmitter disorder with a decrease in serotonin and an increase in norepinephrine. » explains Dr. Brigitte Letombe.
“Unlike PMS symptoms, which are generally physical or emotional, symptoms of the TDPM are more often of order psychological even psychiatric. For this reason, TDPM appears in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-IV and DSM-V),” states the TDPM France association.
4. A strong impact on daily life
” It’s a psychological impact even psychiatric », says Dr. Brigitte Letombe in the podcast Chronic. In fact, the content creator, Priscilla, suffering from PMDD, affirms: “let’s no longer be afraid to say it: yes, periods can make you want to die, shatter dreams, a relationship and a professional career”, in a publication Instagram in 2021. On social networks, she popularizes this little-known disorder.
5. What about treatments?
“The treatments currently offered are varied and adapted to each person, but do not guarantee a total cure for PMDD,” states the website of the TDPM France association. Treatments for PMDD may include antidepressants (including selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake), of the hormonal treatmentsand non-drug approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Sources
Source: “The TDPM France Association is the first national association of patients acting and providing information on the subject of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder”, ASSOCIATION TDPM FRANCE.
1730812906
#premenstrual #dysphoric #disorder
**Interview with Dr. Brigitte Letombe: Understanding PMDD**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Letombe. Thank you for joining us today to shed light on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Can you start by explaining what PMDD is and how it differs from PMS?
**Dr. Letombe:** Thank you for having me! PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects about 5% of women of childbearing age. While PMS can cause discomfort and mood swings, PMDD leads to debilitating symptoms that significantly impact a person’s daily life. The key difference lies in the severity and nature of the symptoms; PMDD symptoms are much more pronounced and can include severe depression and anxiety, which often lead to significant impairments in social and occupational functioning.
**Editor:** That’s insightful. How is PMDD diagnosed, and what kind of professionals can diagnose this disorder?
**Dr. Letombe:** PMDD is classified as both a mental and gynecological illness. Diagnosis is made by either a psychiatrist or a gynecologist. To diagnose PMDD, we typically monitor the patient over at least two consecutive menstrual cycles. This helps us identify the specific timing and pattern of symptoms, which generally appear during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subside with menstruation.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the causes of PMDD are not entirely understood. What factors are believed to contribute to its onset?
**Dr. Letombe:** Yes, that’s correct. While we do not know the exact causes, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a significant role. PMDD has also been linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which can be affected by ovarian steroids during the menstrual cycle.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on the symptoms of PMDD? How do they manifest differently compared to PMS?
**Dr. Letombe:** Certainly. PMDD symptoms vary widely among individuals and can change from cycle to cycle. Some of the primary symptoms include severe mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and headaches. In contrast, PMS tends to produce milder emotional and physical symptoms that are more manageable. The critical point is that PMDD’s symptoms can be debilitating and significantly interfere with everyday life.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Letombe. Is there hope for individuals dealing with PMDD? What treatment options are available?
**Dr. Letombe:** Absolutely, there are treatment options available. Management might include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and medications such as antidepressants or hormonal therapies. Each treatment plan should be personalized, taking into account the individual’s symptoms and overall health. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Letombe. Your insights help us make sense of a condition that many people struggle with but may not fully understand.
**Dr. Letombe:** Thank you for having me. Raising awareness about PMDD is essential to ensure that those affected receive the support and treatment they need.
