Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Treatment

Changes in womens’ hormones trigger the menstrual cycle, resulting in changes to mood, weight, and energy levels (premenstrual symptoms). Approximately 20–40 percent of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a medical condition related to a number of physical and psychological symptoms that occur prior to the menstrual period, while approximately 3–8 percent of women experience debilitating symptoms that prevent them from functioning in daily life. This severe form of PMS is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — resulting symptoms include severe depression, anxiety, anger, and irritability.

For this, health care providers of traditional medicine typically prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antidepressant medications. Unfortunately, many women with PMDD do not respond to traditional treatment options, resulting in additional feelings of hopelessness and frustration. At Florida Mind Health Center, a ketamine clinic in Gainesville, FL, we provide an alternative PMDD treatment options in order to help our patients manage the effects of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Contact us for more information about our innovative treatments or to schedule a PMDD treatment at our clinic.

What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a chronic and debilitating women’s health and wellness condition that affects a significant portion of pre-menopausal women around the world — PMDD is less common than PMS, but the symptoms are more severe. PMDD symptoms typically take place during the second half of the menstrual cycle and comprise physical and psychological symptoms that affect daily living and threaten mental well-being. The primary difference between normal premenstrual symptoms and abnormal premenstrual symptoms is the degree of severity. The symptoms produced by PMDD consistently escalate during each menstrual cycle and will not respond to self-care or over-the-counter treatments.

PMDD causes are largely unknown, however, research suggests that estrogen hormonal fluctuations and hormone level abnormalities may be to blame. Common symptoms of severe PMS — including the following — can last until menopause, which marks the end of fertility in women and the restabilization of natural hormone levels in the body. Symptoms may reduce in severity with changes to an individual’s lifestyle, including consistent exercise, managed stress levels, and a balanced diet. In other cases, however, patients require specialized treatment in order to achieve relief from recurring symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.

  • Lasting irritability or anger
  • Depression or feelings of sadness or despair
  • Anxiety and tension
  • Panic attacks and mood swings
  • Lack of interest in daily activities / relationships
  • Difficulty thinking or focusing
  • Reduced energy and lethargy
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