Emotional changes including depression, mood swings, irritability and anxiety are common and normal symptoms associated with PMS. When these emotional changes become disruptive with work or your personal life, the diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMD) is made. Medications that treat depression and anxiety are often given to women suffering from this debilitating diagnosis.
Women experiencing depression every day would not fall into the PMS diagnosis although there is overlap during the weeks before a period. Depression causes sleep problems, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, weight changes, losing pleasure with almost all activities and having suicidal thoughts is medically concerning. Depression affects many women and if undiagnosed and treated, women are more at risk for suicide, drug and alcohol use, problems having healthy relationships and missing more days from work. Finding women with depression and mood changes as their primary symptom happening throughout the entire month is a sign of a more serious mental health problem. Anti-depressants and therapy are the most helpful and reliable treatment options in this group of women.