Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two conditions that, on the surface, may seem unrelated. However, recent research suggests there may be a significant link between the two, and understanding this link can lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for those affected.
PMDD: What is it and What are the Symptoms?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a condition that occurs before the menstrual cycle begins and can affect mood and physical health. Mood symptoms can occur anywhere from a few days to a week before a period starts, but researchers have yet to find out what causes these symptoms. They include:
Anxiety and depressed mood.
A feeling of sadness or hopelessness.
Irritability and mood swings.
Self-deprecating thoughts.
Other common experiences that come along with the symptoms of PMDD are food cravings, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, feeling overwhelmed and out of control, and weight gain, to name a few. These symptoms will be experienced by an individual either all at once or just a few at a time and affect their ability to participate in daily activities. Typically, these symptoms subside when their period starts or finishes.
How Common is PMDD in People with ADHD?
Women and those who menstruate whilst also having ADHD have a higher chance of having PMDD, this is thought to possibly be down to those with ADHD having a low dopamine level, which can already cause low mood. This may be the reason that people with ADHD experience more severe symptoms throughout their menstrual cycle. It is also understood that PMDD symptoms can worsen ADHD symptoms. A recent study showed that 45.5% of women with ADHD also have PMDD compared with a reported 28.7% in the general population.
It isn’t fully understood why there is a high prevalence of PMDD in women with ADHD, but several accounts online suggest that premenstrual syndrome symptoms can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Management Techniques.
To be able to cope with the strain of both PMDD and ADHD it’s important to consider both medication and therapy, although not before consulting your doctor first. Your doctor may need to increase your dose of stimulant medication for ADHD on certain days throughout the menstrual cycle to counteract the effects of PMDD.
Keep Stress Under Control.
Easier said than done but stress can exacerbate symptoms of both PMDD and ADHD so understanding how you react to stress reducers best is important. Whether it be meditation, exercise, or therapy, getting stress as under control as possible will really help in the long run.
Medication.
As mentioned above, doctors may recommend certain medications or certain strengths of medication through different stages in the menstrual cycle to help alleviate symptoms.
Therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy can provide useful coping mechanisms to deal with symptoms of PMDD and ADHD along with other forms of talking and activity-based therapy.
Diet.
A person’s diet can have an impact on brain chemicals which in turn can increase or decrease the severity of an individual’s PMDD and ADHD symptoms. Learning which foods are triggers for you by keeping a diary and trying to cut down or cut them out will help you cope with the symptoms.
Understand the Warning Signs.
We can all go through periods of low mood but it’s important to notice when the signs of low mood increase into something more severe and less manageable. If you have ADHD and also notice signs of PMDD, these symptoms can really affect your life to the point of not being able to participate or enjoy usual activities. If you are feeling isolated or alone then it’s important to reach out for help, especially if the feelings are worsening.
Beyond Clinics: ADHD Assessments for Women and Those Who Menstruate.
If not treated and understood, ADHD can be debilitating. Add symptoms of PMDD into the mix and you can quickly spend every month dreading that time getting nearer and nearer.
Beyond Clinics is a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, comprised of experienced male and female mental health specialists who have ADHD, and we understand just how differently ADHD can affect both males and females, this is why we provide an ADHD assessment for women that is tailored to their specific needs.
If you want to understand your symptoms further and receive the support and advice you need to help you live your life to its full potential, then contact Beyond. We are your reliable, private ADHD clinic in Manchester.
