PMS Depression

PMS depression is a serious manifestation of PMS

Depression in itself is a serious psychiatric condition, estimated to affect about 5-10% of people.

This article discusses depression associated with PMS or PMDD. But first, it pays to have a brief clue as to what depression is.

What Is Depression?

Major Depression is a mood disorder that can have serious impact on
the life of an individual. Two full weeks of symptoms are required to
make a diagnosis.

Key symptoms are

• Low mood with tearfulness
• Low energy or fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Loss of interest in normal pleasurable activities
• Sleep problems
• Poor concentration
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of guiltSuicidal thoughts

PMS And Depression

There is really no major difference between he depression of PMS
and major depression. The specific finding about it, however, is that
it occurs during the days that precede menstrual flow and resolve with
the onset of menses. Symptoms of depression out of this period could
still be depression but are likely not related to PMS.

When the depression is particularly severe, it is called the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PMDD).

It has been linked to changing hormonal levels during this period of the cycle.

Treatment

Depression has effective medications to control symptoms. Women
generally do not report symptoms of depression to their doctor. It is
very important to report such feelings and not feel embarrassed so that
appropriate therapy can be given whenever possible.

Since the
depression of PMS does not occur in isolation in PMS, its treatment
therefore is part of the overall PMS treatment plan including the
general measures and medications.

The depression of PMS requires
treatment by a physician.A class of medications called
selective-serotonin-uptake inhibitors are used to control depressive
symptoms. They act by increasing the amount of serotonin in blood, the
substance that is low in PMS patients.

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