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There are women who suffer from mental illness, a psychiatric disorder, in conjunction with their monthly hormone cycle. It is estimated to affect only 5-7% of all women. It consists mainly of depression symptoms, including extreme mood swings and emotional problems.

The first definition of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, was attempted by psychiatrists in 1985 to describe a mental disorder seen a few patients. Some women were found to suffer from intense emotional and personality swings at the end of their cycle. The disorder was given a place in the psychiatric literature in 1991, but there is still much debate among physicians about the actual existence of this disorder. The disorder has been determined to be nonexistent by the European drug regulating group and is currently only a footnote in psychiatric guidelines in the United States

The existence of PMDD in marketing campaigns is the result of pharmaceutical companies renaming anti-depressants and selling them in the guise of women's medication. In 1998, the FDA approved the use of Prozac, called fluoxetine, to treat PMDD. Its maker, Lilly, renamed the pill Serafem and made it lavender in color, probably so women would not feel they were being given Prozac, a drug with societal connotations. Currently, Pfizer's Zoloft and GlaxoSmithKlines's Paxil are also approved to treat PMDD, a disease that only exists in the United States.

PMDD is a psychiatric disorder, not a physical disorder. It is not simply feeling tired and ill prior to a woman's monthly period. It is not a common disorder. It is a rare mental illness that should be diagnosed by a psychiatrist after therapy sessions to determine the extent of the illness.

The current medications are anti-depressants that have potential side effects, including negative sexual side effects. Paxil also has severe withdrawal concerns. These drugs should be reserved for women with the mental disorder and not dispensed as a cure all for mood swings. Experts in the field of psychiatry believe that many of the women suffering from extensive mental anguish are suffering from stress or relationship and environmental issues, not health issues that can be solved with a pill. For more information, see "Selling Sickness" by Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-diuretics are a better solution for the majority of women with pre-cycle discomfort. A woman can also decrease caffeine intake, eat healthy, use iron supplements, and reduce salt intake. If all of these precautions are not followed by feeling more comfortable and severe personality changes are present, the doctor may recommend seeing a psychiatrist.

As with anything else, be sure to read the label for directions and warnings. If mood swings, depression, or pain interfere with daily life, it is important to seek a doctor's advice.

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
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