---
title: What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and how is it diagnosed?
description: PMDD involves at least 5 psychological symptoms, including mood problems like mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritability, in the week before the period
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/can-premenstrual-symptoms-help-improve-womens-healthcare-2025/
---

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- What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and how is it diagnosed?

Study, 2025

# What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and how is it diagnosed?

PMDD involves at least 5 psychological symptoms, including mood problems like mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritability, in the week before the period. It was recognized in DSM-5 in 2013 and ICD-11 in 2022.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable (educational article about diagnosis, not a study).

## What they did

Discussed the definition and history of PMDD as a medical diagnosis, including its criteria and how it affects women's lives.

## What they found

PMDD is defined as the cyclical recurrence of at least 5 psychological symptoms, with at least one of four key psychiatric symptoms (mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability), in the premenstrual phase. Symptoms go away a few days after the period starts and severely impact women's daily functioning and quality of life.

## What it means for you

Understanding the diagnostic criteria for PMDD may help doctors recognize and diagnose it. This article presented the definition and criteria but not new research findings about treatments or causes.

5

psychological symptoms required for PMDD

4

key psychiatric symptoms (at least one required)

2013

year PMDD was added to DSM-5

## About the study

Original title Can premenstrual symptoms help improve women’s healthcare? Authors Belinda Angela Pletzer Journal Open Access Government Year 2025 Study design Study What was tested None (educational article). Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.56367/oag-046-11746](https://doi.org/10.56367/oag-046-11746)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Case-control study, 2026

Do women with PMS handle emotions differently at different times of the cycle?

Systematic review, 2025

Do people with PMDD and severe PMS have difficulties with emotion regulation?

Cohort study, 2025

Do women with a history of PMS or PMDD have more depression during pregnancy and after birth?

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