PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is severe PMS and affects between five to ten percent of all women who menstruate. While the symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, the symptoms of PMDD are more extreme than those of PMS.

Symptoms of PMDD
Severe PMS symptoms can include intense mood swings, anxiety or depression. Other symptoms might include having feelings of being out of control or having changes in sleeping patterns. You might also feel extremely tired.

The difference between the symptoms of PMS and PMDD is that while the symptoms of PMS can be difficult, the symptoms of PMDD can be devastating, creating problems in relationships and the ability to function.

Dealing with Severe PMS
The three avenues of attack that are currently used to battle PMDD are the medication approach, the psychobehavioral approach and the nutritional approach. Physicians often combine these approaches for more effective treatments.

Both over-the-counter and prescribed medications can be used to treat PMS. However, the Food and Drug Administration currently approves four prescription drugs to specifically treat PMDD: fluoxetine, paroxetine controlled-release, setraline and drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptives. Sertraline, paroxetine and fluoxetine are antidepressants.

In addition, your doctor may suggest analgesics for pain or prescribe diuretics to help with water retention.

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