What disorder is characterized by PMS symptoms persisting for at least one year and interfering with daily life?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a person's emotional and physical health. The defining characteristics of PMDD include the persistence of symptoms for at least one year and the significant interference these symptoms cause in daily life.

Clinically, PMDD is recognized for its debilitating effects, which can include severe mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms that can disrupt normal functioning and quality of life. The diagnosis typically involves tracking these symptoms over several menstrual cycles to confirm their pattern and severity, distinguishing it from typical PMS, which may not have the same level of intensity or chronicity.

This disorder is also distinguished from other mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder, which has criteria unrelated to the menstrual cycle, or chronic fatigue syndrome, which is primarily characterized by persistent fatigue that is not improved by rest and does not solely pertain to menstrual symptoms.