---
title: How is PMDD diagnosed? | Niyora
description: PMDD is diagnosed by a pattern of symptoms that occur in the late luteal phase and go away after menstruation starts. It is likely caused by sensitivity to no
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-guide-for-the-treating-clinician-2002/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- How is PMDD diagnosed?

Review, 2002

# How is PMDD diagnosed?

PMDD is diagnosed by a pattern of symptoms that occur in the late luteal phase and go away after menstruation starts. It is likely caused by sensitivity to normal hormone changes, not abnormal hormone levels. SSRIs are the recommended treatment.

 Moderate study design

Women with severe PMS or PMDD

## What they did

Clinical review article describing diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches for PMDD, summarizing current understanding of the condition's causes and evidence-based treatment options.

## What they found

Up to 75% of women report some premenstrual symptoms, but less than 10% have severe enough symptoms for a PMDD diagnosis. A key to diagnosis is establishing a pattern of symptoms that recur during the late luteal phase and remit after menses. Serotonin depletion is the leading hypothesis. GABA, endogenous opiates, allopregnanolone, and vitamins may also play roles. Oral contraceptives and supplementary progesterone or estrogen have not been effective.

## What it means for you

PMDD is much rarer than mild premenstrual symptoms. Most women have some symptoms, but less than 1 in 10 have the severe form. This is expert opinion rather than new research, and the full biological picture is still being understood.

75%

of women report some premenstrual symptoms

less than 10%

have severe enough symptoms for PMDD

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. A guide for the treating clinician Authors Elliott H Journal North Carolina medical journal Year 2002 Study design Review What was tested SSRI antidepressants, oral contraceptives, supplementary hormones Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.18043/ncm.63.2.72](https://doi.org/10.18043/ncm.63.2.72)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Guideline, 2023

How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?

Systematic review, 2022

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Review, 2018

What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD?

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗