PMDD is defined as?

• A. Mild PMS with headaches
• B. Severe PMS with depression, irritability, and extreme mood swings
• C. Irregular menstrual cycles
• D. Excessive bleeding

Answer: (B)

PMDD is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome where mood and behavior symptoms are dominant and disabling. The key features are marked depression or hopelessness, irritability or anger, anxiety or tension, and pronounced mood swings that occur in the luteal phase and significantly impair daily functioning, fading after the start of menses. This distinguishes PMDD from typical PMS and from other menstrual issues. The other options describe symptoms or problems that are not about the intense mood disturbance that defines PMDD—mild PMS with headaches focuses on physical symptoms, irregular cycles concern timing rather than mood, and excessive bleeding is a bleeding issue rather than a mood-related disorder.