It’s possible that this pattern isn’t just premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a serious mood condition that affects anywhere from three to eight percent of menstruating people.1,2
PMDD can impact every aspect of your life and leave you dreading the cycle repeating month after month. The potential severity of these symptoms means that some people could benefit from more intensive treatment approaches like residential care. This form of treatment can provide focused support to learn more about the condition and how to better manage it.
If PMDD is affecting your quality of life, a mental health professional can discuss the suitability of inpatient treatment for your needs. This page could also help you better understand the ins and outs of PMDD treatment inpatient programs by exploring:
The definition of PMDD and an explanation of its symptoms
Some people experience PMDD near the end of the luteal phase, while others have symptoms throughout and into the first day or two of menstruation.3
As previously mentioned, PMDD affects approximately three to eight percent of menstruating people, though many cases also go undiagnosed or are dismissed as “normal” menstrual complaints. It can develop at any point during the reproductive years, though symptoms typically emerge during adolescence or in the years leading up to premenopause.
The monthly disruption of PMDD can be extremely difficult to manage, with many people struggling to work and canceling plans as a result. Plus, these people often feel guilty and confused when symptoms lift after their period begins. As a result, PMDD can strain relationships, as others may not fully understand why mood and behavior shift so dramatically. Therefore, the condition can make it hard to be consistent in your personal or professional life.
Further, PMDD is often confused with premenstrual syndrome, sometimes leading to a lack of diagnosis and appropriate care. For this reason, we discuss the similarities and differences between PMS and PMDD next.
PMS and PMDD: Similarities and Differences
Both PMS and PMDD occur during the luteal phase and share many similar symptoms, but they’re not the same. PMDD can be considered a more severe kind of PMS, as its intensity and impact are more destabilizing and constitute a severe mood disorder.
The following are the similarities and differences between these two conditions.
Similarities Between PMS and PMDD4
Timing of symptoms: Both conditions occur in the one to two weeks before menstruation and tend to improve within a few days after the period begins
Severity: PMDD causes severe emotional symptoms that impact day-to-day functioning, while PMS symptoms are mild to moderate
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These fluctuations of reproductive hormones can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which helps people to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Therefore, when estrogen and progesterone levels drop during the luteal phase, this may trigger a decrease in serotonin, triggering severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, and more.
Additionally, GABA, another neurotransmitter that helps to calm the body’s central nervous system, might also become dysregulated in response to the body’s monthly hormonal changes.7
Genetics also likely plays a role in PMDD development. Research has shown that PMDD tends to run in families, suggesting inherent vulnerabilities to the condition.8 For example, some gene variations affect how the body responds to hormonal changes and processes stressors, making some people more at risk than others. Further, having a family history of mood disorders like depression or anxiety may also increase the risk of developing PMDD.
Finally, past trauma, chronic stress, and major life changes might all amplify PMS-based symptoms or trigger an onset of PMDD. However, PMDD is not caused by stress alone – the biological aspects are likely key to the disorder’s development.
When it comes to PMS, many people are able to find relief by improving their self-care practices. For instance, regular exercise can help reduce bloating and decrease physical discomfort, and getting adequate sleep and practicing stress management techniques can help to ease premenstrual symptoms.
Additionally, maintaining balanced nutrition and reducing caffeine, alcohol, and salt intake during the luteal phase can also be helpful, along with utilizing over-the-counter medications and supplementing with calcium or magnesium.
However, while these strategies can make the symptoms of PMS more manageable, they typically aren’t enough to treat PMDD’s more severe symptoms.
PMDD treatment inpatient programs may be advisable if your symptoms are impairing your ability to function at work or care for yourself, or are severely harming your relationships. Residential treatment for PMDD might also be indicated if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, engaging in any self-harming behaviors, or when outpatient treatment options haven’t worked as well as you need.
Inpatient care for premenstrual dysphoric disorder can offer many avenues to relief. To begin with, its comforting and structured environment removes your daily stressors and triggers that can worsen symptoms, giving you the time and space to focus on recovering. It also provides 24/7 monitoring during crisis periods, allowing treatment teams to observe your patterns throughout your cycle and create a unique treatment plan that speaks to your needs.
Individual counseling at residential treatment can work to address the unique psychological and biological aspects of living with mood disruptions. Therapy options often include:
Psychiatric care is often warranted for those struggling with the symptoms of PMDD, prescribing antidepressants to help stabilize the body’s response to stressors and depression. Some people might do well with continuous medication treatment, while others may only take medications during the luteal phase.
Regardless, medication management in the residential setting allows your treatment team to closely observe how any medications are affecting your mood and sleep. They may also make adjustments as needed, providing a template for long-term success.
Alongside directly targeting PMDD symptoms, the overarching nature of residential PMDD programs allows the treatment team to address any potential co-occurring issues that might accompany your menstruation-based issues. For example, anxiety disorders or additional depressive episodes.
This integrated and considered approach ensures that every aspect of your mental health and well-being receives attention, leading to more effective long-term outcomes.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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A Mission for Michael provides specialized care for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and several other mental health conditions at our residential and outpatient treatment programs across California, Virginia, and Washington.
Combining evidence-based therapies with medication management and holistic activities like yoga, our team monitors your symptoms and helps you develop the skills needed to take back your life from PMDD. Reach out today and let us help you get started.
The length of treatment for PMDD varies from person to person. Short-term stays can help you stabilize any acute symptoms and establish new medication routines, while longer programs allow the treatment team to witness several menstrual cycles and fine-tune your interventions.
Your team will work to determine a roadmap according to your needs with you, along with a comprehensive plan to step down your treatment to outpatient care as required.
Most insurance plans provide some level of coverage for residential mental health treatment when medically necessary, including treatment for PMDD that harms your ability to function.
AMFM’s admission team can help you verify your coverage and better understand your benefits before admission.
