Do I Have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Do you experience marked affective lability in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience marked irritability, anger or increased interpersonal conflicts in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience marked depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness or self-deprecating thoughts in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience marked anxiety, tension and/or feelings of being keyed up in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience decreased interest in normal activities (e.g., work, school, friends, hobbies) in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience difficulty in concentration in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience lethargy/easy fatigability in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience marked change in appetite; overeating; or specific food cravings in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience hypersomnia or insomnia in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience feeling overwhelmed or out of control in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Do you experience physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating” or weight gain in the majority of menstrual cycles, in the final week before the onset of menses and does it start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses and become minimal or absent in the week postmenses?

Are the symptoms associated with clinically significant distress or interference with work, school, social activities or relationships with others?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not simply an exacerbation of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder or a personality disorder?

Can you confirm that the symptoms are not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse, medication) or another medical condition?

You do not have premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, you are displaying some symptoms that are related to this disorder. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your symptoms to receive the right advice. You may consider changing your diet, doing more regular exercise and taking vitamin supplements to control your symptoms.

Unfortunately, you are displaying (the majority of) the symptoms typically seen among individuals who are diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Seeking medical attention is crucial, your doctor will help you improve your coping strategies and make sure you receive the right treatment.