PMDD
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more serious health problem that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is characterized by significant emotional and physical symptoms that cause severe irritability, depression or anxiety that in the week or two before your period begins. Symptoms usually go away two to three days after your period starts. You may need medication or other treatment to help manage your symptoms.
When PMDD symptoms take over your life, it's time to seek help. Total Clarity Psychiatry has contracted with Andrea D. Skrocki, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience, who is dedicated to helping female adults (18+) who struggle with PMDD. She takes a very personalized approach to care, tailoring treatment to each person through a blend of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Andrea believes in a holistic, bio-psycho-social model, considering the unique interplay of life stressors, past experiences, and genetic factors that shape each person's mental health.
By considering your overall health and well-being, Andrea will work with you to create a treatment plan that feels right for you. While medication management is often warranted for PMDD, Andrea recognizes that every individual is different and deserves a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. Let Andrea navigate options with you.
Above all, Andrea strives to build a therapeutic relationship rooted in trust, open communication, compassion, and respect. She is committed to supporting you every step of the way as you work toward improving and managing these unwanted symptoms in your life.
If you struggle with PMDD like symptoms, Andrea can provide the answers and support you need. She understands how PMDD can take over your life and provides the support and tools you need to regain control.
Call Total Clarity Psychiatry today, or schedule an appointment with Andrea D. Skrocki now to get started. Click on BOOK NOW to see her availability.
Don't wait any longer to get the help you need!
FAQs
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Symptoms of PMDD include:
Lasting irritability or anger that may affect other people
Feelings of sadness or despair, or even thoughts of suicide
Feelings of tension or anxiety
Panic attacks
Mood swings or crying often
Lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
Trouble thinking or focusing
Tiredness or low energy
Food cravings or binge eating
Trouble sleeping
Feeling out of control
Physical symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
Currently, PMDD is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) as a separate entity under Depressive disorders, with the criteria for diagnosis as follows:
Criterion A - At least 5 of the following 11 symptoms (including at least 1 of the first 4 listed) should be present:
Markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
Marked anxiety, tension, feelings of being “keyed up” or “on edge”
Marked affective lability
Persistent and marked anger or irritability o increased interpersonal conflicts
Decreased interest in usual activities (i.e. work, school, friends, and hobbies)
Subjective sense of difficulty in concentrating
Lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy
Marked change in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings
Hypersomnia or insomnia
A subjective sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
Other physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness or swelling, headaches, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of bloating, or weight gain.
Criterion B - symptoms severe enough to interfere significantly with social, occupational, sexual, or scholastic functioning.
Criterion C - symptoms discretely related to the menstrual cycle and must not merely represent an exacerbation of the symptoms of another disorder, such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, dysthymic disorder, or a personality disorder (although the symptoms may be superimposed on those of these disorders).
Criterion D - criteria A, B, and C are confirmed by prospective daily ratings during at least 2 consecutive symptomatic menstrual cycles. The diagnosis may be made provisionally before this confirmation.
Women with moderate-to-severe PMS or PMDD experience more quality-of-life detriments and work-productivity losses and incur greater healthcare costs than women with no or only mild symptoms
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Researchers do not know for sure what causes PMDD or PMS. Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle may play a role. A brain chemical called serotonin may also play a role in PMDD. Serotonin levels change throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women may be more sensitive to these changes.
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Andrea D. Skrocki will talk to you about your overall physical and mental health and make recommendations. It may be recommended to see an OBGYN for a physical to ensure there are no other medical issues contributing. Your PCP can also try you on birth control pills to see if that will manage your symptoms. You will need to keep a calendar or diary of your symptoms to help your provider diagnose PMDD.
You must have five or more of the PMDD symptoms above, including one mood-related symptom, to be diagnosed with PMDD
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Treatments for PMDD include:
Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs change serotonin levels in the brain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three SSRIs to treat PMDD:
Sertraline
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine HCI
Birth control pills. The FDA has approved a birth control pill containing Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, to treat PMDD. Talk with your PCP or your OBGYN about these options.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help relieve physical symptoms, such as cramps, joint pain, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness. These include:
Stress management, such as relaxation techniques and spending time on activities you enjoy
Making healthy changes, such as eating a healthy combination of foods across the food groups, cutting back on salty and sugary foods, and getting more physical activity, may also help relieve some PMDD symptoms.
Psychopharmacological genetic testing (PGT) can be order and is covered by some insurance carriers to determine how you metabolize certain medications. This can be helpful if you have failed or had serious side effects on medications in the past. If you have questions, or want to order this test, ask Andrea for more details.
Don't wait any longer, book now.
Call Total Clarity Psychiatry today, or schedule your an appointment with Andrea D. Skrocki not to get started.
Click on the “Book Now” link to see her availability.
Let Andrea help you work through this monthly struggle and start living your best life now!
Andrea is an out of network provider that does not accept insurance and accepts credit cards, debit cards and HSA/FSA at time of service.