PMS & PMDD
For years premenstrual syndrome has been blamed for unpredictable
behavior from moodiness to murder. While four of ten women have PMS, few are
affected by its more severe cousin, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Dr. Jean Endicott is working with the Society for Women's Health Research
to raise awareness of PMS and PMDD.
Dr. Endicott,
what is the difference between PMS and PMDD?
"The primary difference is the severity of the condition. Many women
have PMS but for those few women who have PMDD, it's the mood and behavioral
symptoms that give them the greatest difficulty."
Why is it
important for women to know the difference between PMS and PMDD?
"It's important for women to be aware of the difference because this
is a diagnosable condition and it is treatable - and there's no reason for
a woman to have to put up with it cycle after cycle after cycle."
What kind of treatments are available for PMDD?
The most effective treatments for PMDD are the serotonin reuptake inhibitors
and the FDA has recognized one of these and given it the indication."
Click here for more inforamtion on PMS.
Click here for more inforamtion on PMDD.
Created: 2/6/2001  - Donnica Moore, M.D.