So now that you suspect your severe depression, rages, and extreme mood swings are symptoms of PMDD, will your doctor agree with your assessment? Physicians look for very specific criteria before they diagnose PMDD, including having at least one mood symptom that is unrelated to another medical condition. Frequently, the symptoms of mood disorders worsen during the premenstrual phase and can be confused with PMDD. Your doctor will want to exclude this possibility. According to the DSM-IV, PMDD is diagnosed when a woman has at least five of the eleven following symptoms over the course of a year:

• Depression, hopelessness, possibly even suicidal thoughts

• Tension or anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Mood swings, marked by periods of crying

• Persistent anger or irritability that affects other people

• Difficulty concentrating

• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Fatigue or low energy

• Increased appetite, food cravings, or binge eating

• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)

• Feeling overwhelmed or out-of-control

These symptoms are present most of the time in the last week the luteal phase, start to fade or disappear when your period begins, and are absent in the week after your period. In addition, in order be diagnosed with PMDD, these symptoms must disturb your social life, job, or relationships, and they must last for at least two consecutive months.