---
title: How should PMDD be diagnosed and treated? | Niyora
description: PMDD is a distinct condition from regular PMS, characterized by mood symptoms like irritability and anger. SSRIs taken daily or only during the menstrual cycl
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-an-update-2000/
---

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- How should PMDD be diagnosed and treated?

Randomised trial, 2000

# How should PMDD be diagnosed and treated?

PMDD is a distinct condition from regular PMS, characterized by mood symptoms like irritability and anger. SSRIs taken daily or only during the menstrual cycle are first-line treatment and work very well with minimal side effects.

 Strong study design

Women with PMDD

## What they did

The diagnosis and treatment of PMDD were reviewed, examining how PMDD differs from PMS and the role of the serotonin system.

## What they found

PMDD is distinct from PMS and involves irritability, anger, internal tension, sadness, and mood changes. The serotonin system is closely related to ovary hormones and is the best treatment target. Randomized placebo-controlled trials show SSRIs taken daily or intermittently have excellent effectiveness and minimal side effects. Luteal phase only (premenstrual) SSRI treatment is an attractive option for an intermittent condition.

## What it means for you

PMDD is a separate condition from severe PMS. SSRIs work very well and are first-line treatment. Taking them only before menstruation appears to work as well as daily dosing, which may be better for a condition that occurs only at certain times.

## About the study

Original title Diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: an update Authors Steiner M, Born L Journal International clinical psychopharmacology Year 2000 Study design Randomised trial Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11195269/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11195269/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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

Survey study, 2001

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions?

Randomised trial, 1997

Does sertraline reduce PMDD symptoms and improve women's ability to function?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Cohort study, 2012

How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms?

Review, 1999

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?

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