BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Q:A:My daughter has been struggling with her menstrual cycle for a while now. We recently saw her pediatrician who mentioned that she may have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and recommended that we seek mental health services. What is this disorder and how can mental health services help? For many adolescent and young adult females, navigating their menstrual cycles can be challenging. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is different from premenstrual symptoms (PMS) due to the severity of symptoms (both physically and psychologically), as well as disruption to daily functioning. Symptoms of PMDD may include the following: intense mood swings (depression, anxiety, irritability); difficulty concentrating; rapid heart rate; severe headaches; apathy; and sleeping difficulties just to name a few. PMDD symptoms may vary person to person and closely consulting with your daughter’s doctor is important. Sometimes PMDD can cause a person to experience intense depression symptoms that may lead to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or even selfharm and suicidal ideation.

It is important to follow up with a mental health provider to address these concerns. Counseling can provide a safe place for your adolescent to effectively talk about their experience with PMDD, as well as provide an environment to learn strategies (such as emotion regulation skills) to more effectively manage her symptoms.

If you believe your adolescent is having difficulties with mental health concerns, please call us to schedule an assessment. I work with a skilled team at PBHS to offer a variety of treatment methods to best suit your unique needs. Using evidence-based techniques, we can navigate through these difficult times by developing an individualized treatment plan. Together, we will create a life worth living.

Health Service 8701 Mentor Avenue Mentor 44060 440-266-0770 www.pbhsohio.com