Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes women to experience physical and emotional symptoms a week before their menstrual period, according to Familydoctor.org. Although PMDD interferes with women's ability to function regularly, it is often difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms
You may have PMDD if you experience intense sadness, anger, anxiety, problems concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, tiredness, joint pain, appetite changes, insomnia, bloating and/or mood swings before your period.
Physical Examination
A doctor usually performs a physical examination and medical history to rule out other possible causes of a patient's symptoms, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, depression or migraines.
Pelvic Exam
When a woman is examined for PMDD, her doctor often also performs a pelvic exam to find out if she has another health problem, such as an infection or a sexually transmitted disease, that could cause her symptoms.
Calendar
Some doctors have patients keep a calendar of premenstrual experiences---a chart where they track symptoms they have during different times of the month---for several months. This chart can show whether you only experience certain symptoms before and during your menstrual period.
Self-Reporting Scale
To be diagnosed with PMDD, you need to have at least 5 of 11 symptoms during the week before your menstrual period for at least a year. You can use the daily symptom report scale to rate the intensity of your symptoms and get a sense of whether you might have PMDD, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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