Premenstual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder that is characterised by emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that can cause significant distress in women during the luteal phase (between ovulation and menses) of the menstrual cycle.

The symptoms generally improve within a few days after the onset of menses and tend to become less problematic or even absent in the week after menses.

It is not uncommon for any female of reproductive age to experience discomfort or changes in mood but those who suffer premenstrual dysphoric disorder are more likely to experience significant pre-menstrual distress or find it hard to function normally.

The cause of premenstrual dysphoric disorder is currently unknown but as the symptoms are generally only present during the menstrual cycle it is believed to be caused by sensitivity and fluctuation in the level of sex hormones.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms

The main symptoms associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are:

• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Increased sensitivity
• Anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Disrupted sleeping patterns
• Joint or muscle pain

Although these symptoms may be common for any female during the menstrual cycle, PMDD symptoms tend to be more severe and are almost always linked to the Luteal phase rather than present across the whole menstrual cycle.

Diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Technically, only a psychiatrist can diagnose PMDD, but in the UK general practitioners have tended to diagnose mental health problems by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The DSM lists specific symptoms against a range of disorders and whenever a person meets this criteria, they are said to be suffering from that disorder.

Diagnostic procedures do NOT make use of medical testing (for example blood tests) in order to produce a diagnosis, but rather is an opinion based on the observation of certain behaviours in the person who is suffering.

Because of this lack of verifiable medical testing, diagnosis remains a controversial subject, particularly within the psychological community.

However, in the UK access to support services is often contingent on receiving a diagnosis, so in this sense, a formal diagnosis may be useful.

Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis

Please be aware that Tranceform Psychology do not diagnose mental health disorders.

Our psychological counselling services do not require you to have been formally diagnosed but should you wish to obtain a formal mental health diagnosis, then please contact your GP who can arrange it for you.

CBT for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

If you’re committed to overcoming your Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder then we highly recommend following our Tranceformental CBT 10 session programme.

The Tranceformental programme is a highly successful & pragmatic course of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) run over 10 sessions, that will teach you everything you need to know to understand the psychological aspects of your problem.

It can also help you to identify any unhelpful thinking styles or limiting beliefs that might be reinforcing the issue.

The programme is also available as an online self-help CBT programme. if you prefer not to consult a therapist directly.

CBT is an empirically supported approach used by mental health practitioners around the World.

Free Initial Consultations for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

We offer all prospective clients a FREE initial consultation to discuss your PMDD prior to commencing any treatment plans.

The consultation is free and lasts around 50 minutes.

During this consultation we will discuss the various therapy options that are available to you and make a considered recommendation based on your individual personal circumstances.

Initial consultations are also available as part of our online therapy service.

At Tranceform Psychology we recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship in helping people to bring about effective change, so its important to be able to meet to discuss any therapy treatments BEFORE proceeding.

Our policy is to help people make a fully balanced & considered decision about undertaking work with us, including both the financial and personal implications.