premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd) is a severe negative reaction to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a brain disorder characterized by mood swings, irritability, and emotional reactivity. Most notably, pmdd symptoms only appear within a certain window of the menstrual cycle, triggered by ovulation.
Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by distinct episodes of mania and depression, each lasting for several days to weeks at a time. These mood episodes are separated by relatively stable periods of mood, characterized by mood swings, irritability, and emotional reactivity. While pmdd and bipolar disorder both cause mood swings and extreme mood states, the timing of the symptoms differs: pmdd symptoms are cyclical and occur within a defined menstrual cycle, while the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder are not necessarily linked to any regular body cycle.
In terms of treatment, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are the mainstays of treatment for bipolar disorder. For pmdd, there is no medication specifically approved to treat pmdd itself. Instead, treatments are typically targeted at managing the symptoms, which can include lifestyle changes, vitamins, and psychological interventions. Additionally, the use of mood stabilizers in bipolar disorder patients may exacerbate pmdd symptoms.
There is an overlap in symptoms between pmdd and bipolar disorder, but the timing and relationship to the menstrual cycle distinguish the two conditions. PMDD primarily affects women of childbearing potential, while bipolar disorder can occur in both men and women.
Despite similarities in symptoms, the mechanisms behind pmdd and bipolar disorder are very different, leading to distinct treatments for each. Getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is crucial for managing both pmdd and bipolar disorder, and can help improve quality of life by reducing symptoms and improving function.
In the absence of medication, women with pmdd have fewer menstrual cycles in a year than women without pmdd.