---
title: Is PMDD different from PMS, and what causes it? | Niyora
description: PMDD is a more specific diagnosis than PMS. It involves low serotonin and melatonin in the brain, and antidepressant SSRIs reduce symptoms according to rigoro
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychobiology-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-1997/
---

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- Is PMDD different from PMS, and what causes it?

Interview study, 1997

# Is PMDD different from PMS, and what causes it?

PMDD is a more specific diagnosis than PMS. It involves low serotonin and melatonin in the brain, and antidepressant SSRIs reduce symptoms according to rigorous studies.

 Early or limited evidence

Literature review (not a primary study of people)

## What they did

This was a review of research on PMDD, examining how it is defined, how it develops, and how it responds to treatment with SSRIs.

## What they found

Studies showed that people with PMDD have lower serotonin and melatonin metabolism compared to healthy women. Multiple rigorous studies reported that SSRIs reduced PMDD symptoms.

## What it means for you

PMDD has a biological basis in brain chemistry, not just a label or psychological issue. This supports using SSRI medication as a treatment. The main limit is this is a review of other studies, not new research.

Low serotonin

Brain chemistry finding in PMDD

Low melatonin

Another brain chemistry difference

## About the study

Original title Psychobiology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Parry BL Journal Seminars in reproductive endocrinology Year 1997 Study design Interview study What was tested SSRIs (antidepressant medications) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1067968](https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1067968)

## 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/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)

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

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Systematic review, 2012

How effective are cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2001

What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated?

Study, 2026

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

Review, 2019

Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD?

Interview study, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are effective treatments?

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