It’s no secret that women can experience mood swings and depression before and during their menstrual cycle, but how do you know when it’s indicative of a clinical condition? There are two disorders that could be the root cause of these symptoms: premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual exacerbation (PME). While PME and PMDD can seem similar it’s important to note that they are not. The wrong diagnosis, in this case, could cause worsening symptoms and incorrect treatment. The month of April is PMDD Awareness Month and it’s a great time to understand what it is and how to get help for PMDD.
The difference between PME and PMDD is vast; women who suffer from PME have a psychiatric disorder that intensifies during the premenstrual cycle. Those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, anxiety, eating disorders and other serious issues should understand how PME affects their disorders. PMDD is characterized by powerful depression and mood swings experienced up to two weeks before a period. The symptoms disappear 1-2 days before menstruation.
If you’re a woman who has questions about PMDD and PME but don’t know who to talk to, Talkspace.com offers online therapy. Talkspace is an innovative way to reach out to a therapist without having to leave the comfort of your home. All the therapists are experienced, licensed, caring professionals who are ready to listen to you. The process is confidential and a breeze to start. You begin by taking an online assessment, then you’ll be matched with a therapist that will help you.
Once you’ve been connected with a professional, you can choose a payment plan option that works for you. One of the many benefits of Talkspace is that you decide how much therapy you want to receive. There is even an option to text, which can be a great support system to help you get through your busy day. You can also voice chat, email or video chat.
Another key benefit to using Talkspace is its convenience. For instance, if you decide that you’d like to try another therapist you can use the “Change Therapist” feature in the settings application. If you do change therapists, he or she will review your communications with your previous therapist so that you don’t have to go over it again. If you need to take a break for a bit, Talkspace allows you to freeze your account for 30 days and you can keep all your account details. If you’re looking for a professional to talk about PMDD or anything else, Talkspace is the perfect option.
