QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I believe my girlfriend has PMDD. The symptoms match to the PMDD traits: irritability, emotional problems, relationship problems, food cravings, etc. The level of these emotional changes are drastic. She starts every month approximately 10 days prior to her menstrual cycle. During this time I have to walk on eggshells - everything sets her off. The last 3 out of 4 months she has broken up with me in this time frame. I have been seeing her for almost a year now and she finally told me that she has been trying to deal with this for more than 2 - 3 years.
I can't talk to her about it and she refuses to see a doctor. Until recently she said she was going to go see one, but I don't believe her. I have been in counseling with her and she has been emotionally abusive. How do I talk to her about this, how can I convince her to get help? It has killed our relationship and she has broken up with me again. She tells me I should "wait through" this period each month, saying that I don't understand. The only problem is that I do understand. I have stayed in the relationship for almost a year and have never walked out on her. I don't know what to do?
Thank You.
ANSWER:
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe form of PMS. I believe PMS is
primarily due to fluid retention, and I go over this in "Biological
Unhappiness." It worsens underlying mental health conditions, especially the BPD.
Fluoxetine (Prozac, Serafem) is particularly effective for these people, as are powerful
water pills.
My
screening test
can help look for these underlying
diagnoses.
If she recognizes that she has a problem and refuses treatment, you could be in for a
lifetime of suffering if you stay.
