PMDD TREATMENT IN ATLANTA

Contact Time Wellness Centers today to begin depression treatment in Atlanta, GA.

What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? 

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by many of the symptoms of PMS, but they are much more severe. The emotional symptoms can be so severe that they cause some people to feel suicidal. The symptoms begin one to two weeks before the onset of the woman’s period and can leave them feeling too physically and emotionally ill to perform their daily tasks, go to work, or attend school.

About 5% of Childbearing-Age Women Have PMDD

According to the Office on Women’s Health, “PMDD affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age.” In addition, many women with PMDD have co-occurring or underlying anxiety or depressive disorders.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of PMDD?

Having PMDD triggers several signs and symptoms, many of them quite severe. They include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Moodiness
• Crying spells
• Angry outbursts
• Lethargy
• Cognitive difficulties
• Fluid retention
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty sleeping
• Paranoia
• Changes in appetite
• Suicidal feelings

What Causes PMDD?

An exact cause for PMDD has not been determined, but factors that influence its development include the hormonal changes a woman goes through beginning before her period and ending just before it does. This includes fluctuating amounts of estrogen and progesterone that are produced.

Additionally, a brain chemical called serotonin may be unregulated, which contributes to feelings of depression and unease.

How is PMDD Diagnosed?

Anyone wondering if they have PMDD should speak to their physician and discuss the length and severity of their symptoms. The doctor may perform an exam and order any necessary tests to help rule out other conditions. Many women keep a diary of their symptoms for a month or two to help the doctor determine if they have PMDD.

How Is PMDD Treated?

PMDD treatment in Atlanta includes a multi-pronged approach. Many people do well when they use prescription medications that help control symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and hormonal birth control pills are often effective, as is establishing changes in a person’s dietary intake and amount of exercise done.

Holistic therapies that help teach people to feel calmer, including yoga and mindfulness therapy, also help women manage their moods. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) teach the individual to identify their emotions and thoughts and influence how they impact their behavior.

Our PMDD Treatment Options in Atlanta, Georgia

Our PMDD treatment in Atlanta offers several treatment options that allow each person to be matched with the level of care that meets their exact needs:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Those with severe and long-lasting symptoms often do well with our PHP plan. Appointments take place from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on Monday through Friday.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Appointments take place on three to five days a week for a few hours each day.
• Adolescent Evening Intensive Outpatient Program: Teenagers attend evening appointments that leave their days open for school.
• Outpatient Program (OP): Appointments occur once or twice per week.
• Virtual Treatment: Appointments take place over a person’s smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
• Residential Treatment: We partner with several trusted local residential programs, which allows a person to complete that program and easily transition to ours.    

Does Insurance Cover PMDD Treatment?

PMDD is considered a mental health disorder listed under depressive disorders. Because of this, most insurance companies offer some kind of coverage for treatment. The individual can contact their insurance company or ask one of our admissions counselors to provide a free insurance verification.