---
title: Is PMDD a form of depression, a form of anxiety, or something completely different?
description: PMDD is a distinct condition, separate from both depression and anxiety. It is characterized more by irritability and mood swings than by depressed mood or an
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/how-does-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-relate-to-depression-and-anxiety-2003/
---

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- Is PMDD a form of depression, a form of anxiety, or something completely different?

Survey study, 2003

# Is PMDD a form of depression, a form of anxiety, or something completely different?

PMDD is a distinct condition, separate from both depression and anxiety. It is characterized more by irritability and mood swings than by depressed mood or anxiety.

 Early or limited evidence

Review article, not a specific study population

## What they did

Literature review summarizing the relationship between PMDD and depression and anxiety disorders.

## What they found

PMDD is neither a variant of depression nor an anxiety disorder, but a distinct diagnostic entity with irritability and affect lability as most characteristic features. Approximately 5% of women of fertile age have PMDD. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the treatment of choice for PMDD, but may work differently than they do for depression and anxiety.

## What it means for you

PMDD should be recognized as its own condition rather than as a subtype of depression or anxiety. However, some subtypes of PMDD may be more closely related to depression or anxiety disorders. This is a review of existing research, not a new study.

5%

Women of fertile age with PMDD

## About the study

Original title How does premenstrual dysphoric disorder relate to depression and anxiety disorders? Authors Landén M, Eriksson E Journal Depression and anxiety Year 2003 Study design Survey study What was tested None. This is a literature review. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/da.10089](https://doi.org/10.1002/da.10089)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)

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

Randomised trial, 1999

Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms?

Study, 2026

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

Cohort study, 2019

Do SSRIs help women who have both PMS and panic disorder?

Cohort study, 2012

How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms?

Guideline, 2006

What is the best treatment for PMDD and severe PMS?

Randomised trial, 2004

Does paroxetine controlled-release help PMDD symptoms?

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