Premenstrual disorders can range from mild premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is known that close to 70-90 % of reproductive age group women have at least one sign of either physical discomfort or emotional symptoms during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle (=premenstrual phase).
About 20-40 % of menstruating women have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and a smaller number, up to 8 %, experience more severe symptoms consistent with the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is very important to rule out comorbid PMDD as symptoms can be similar to major depressive disorder. The following short 5-minute video from PEFA Academy will explain how to clinically diagnose PMDD?