The menstrual mood disorder that makes you feel like 'Jekyll and Hyde'
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder that causes debilitating emotional and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Experts emphasize that it is distinct from PMS and carries a high risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Why it matters
Increased awareness of PMDD is essential for improving diagnosis, reducing stigma, and providing life-saving support for those suffering from the condition.
Women afflicted by a severe menstrual mood disorder describe feeling like "Jekyll and Hyde," according to a Scotland-based researcher.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder - or PMDD - affects around one in 20 women and people assigned female at birth and can cause debilitating emotional, cognitive and sometimes physical symptoms.
Lecturer in Public Health at the University of the West of Scotland, Lynsay Matthews told Nine to Noon the disorder was different from PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
"With PMDD there's very debilitating changes in mood that come at quite a severe and frightening level such as changes in anger, irritability, anxiety, low mood and it has a much higher rate of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviour."
Matthews said those with the disorder had a brain that reacted negatively to normal hormonal fluctuations, with symptoms appearing and vanishing with a rapidity that was disorienting.
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