---
title: What is PMDD and how is it treated? | Niyora
description: PMDD is a severe form of PMS with physical and behavioral symptoms during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Treatment starts with lifestyle changes and
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-review-for-the-treating-practitioner-2004/
---

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- What is PMDD and how is it treated?

Review, 2004

# What is PMDD and how is it treated?

PMDD is a severe form of PMS with physical and behavioral symptoms during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Treatment starts with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, and includes antidepressants if needed.

 Strong study design

PMDD diagnosis and management in clinical practice

## What they did

Reviewed clinical knowledge and research on PMDD diagnosis, causes, and treatment approaches.

## What they found

PMDD results from interactions between brain chemicals and menstrual hormones. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Doctors should be cautious about alternative therapies promoted in the media.

## What it means for you

Doctors have a stepwise approach to treating PMDD, starting with lifestyle and over-the-counter options before moving to antidepressants. Many alternative therapies lack rigorous evidence.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a review for the treating practitioner Authors Kaur G, Gonsalves L, Thacker HL Journal Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine Year 2004 Study design Review What was tested Review of PMDD management Read the paper [doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.71.4.303](https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.71.4.303)

## 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/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)[Surgical menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-surgery/)

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

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