---
title: What is PMDD and what treats it? | Niyora
description: PMDD is a severe form of PMS affecting 3-8% of women of reproductive age. It is marked by depression, anxiety, emotional instability, and reduced activity dur
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-approach-and-treatment-2003/
---

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- What is PMDD and what treats it?

Review, 2003

# What is PMDD and what treats it?

PMDD is a severe form of PMS affecting 3-8% of women of reproductive age. It is marked by depression, anxiety, emotional instability, and reduced activity during the luteal phase. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most effective treatment.

 Moderate study design

Literature review - not a primary study

## What they did

Literature review of PMDD definition, prevalence, causes, and treatment options.

## What they found

PMDD affects 3-8% of women. Key symptoms are depressive mood, marked anxiety, emotional instability, and decreased activity that appear in the luteal phase and stop in the follicular phase. Serotonin and melatonin metabolism play a role. SSRIs are most effective.

## What it means for you

PMDD is a real, treatable condition affecting a significant portion of women in their reproductive years. This summarizes current medical understanding rather than presenting new research.

3-8%

Women of reproductive age with PMDD

## About the study

Original title [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: approach and treatment] Authors Bianchi-Demicheli F, Lüdicke F, Campana A Journal Gynecologie, obstetrique & fertilite Year 2003 Study design Review What was tested None - review of treatment approaches Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s1297-9589(02)00007-3](https://doi.org/10.1016/s1297-9589(02)00007-3)

## 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/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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, 1995

Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria?

Study, 2026

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

Review, 2023

Can herbs and supplements help with PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2017

Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?

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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