---
title: What is the difference between PMS and PMDD? | Niyora
description: PMDD is more serious than PMS, with stronger depression, anxiety, and irritability that happens in the week or two before a period when hormones drop.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-premenstrual-defence-2022/
---

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- What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

Study, 2022

# What is the difference between PMS and PMDD?

PMDD is more serious than PMS, with stronger depression, anxiety, and irritability that happens in the week or two before a period when hormones drop.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable - this is educational content

## What they did

This is an educational and historical overview of PMDD and premenstrual syndrome rather than a research study.

## What they found

PMDD is a distinct condition with more severe mood and anxiety symptoms than regular PMS. It occurs when hormone levels drop after ovulation. The term premenstrual syndrome was originally developed by doctors Katherina Dalton and Raymond Greene in 1953.

## What it means for you

PMDD is recognized as a serious medical condition separate from regular PMS. History shows this condition has been studied and named for decades.

1953

Year the term premenstrual syndrome was created

## About the study

Original title The premenstrual defence Authors Caroline Henaghan Journal Futurum Careers Year 2022 Study design Study What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.33424/futurum224](https://doi.org/10.33424/futurum224)

## 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/)

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?

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

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What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Survey study, 2023

Is PMDD diagnosis associated with more severe depression and anxiety and lower well-being?

Survey study, 2023

How common are PMS, PMDD, anxiety, and depression in rural adolescent girls?

Survey study, 2022

Do stress and rumination increase with PMS severity?

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