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Multiple Choice

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is characterized by?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder shows a pattern of symptoms that are tied to the menstrual cycle, especially in the luteal phase before a period, and are severe enough to interfere with daily life. The defining feature is a combination of intense emotional changes—such as irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, or mood swings—plus physical symptoms like bloating or breast tenderness that occur in the week before menses and improve after the period starts. This level of severity and functional impact sets PMDD apart from milder premenstrual symptoms. The other options describe issues not related to PMDD: intermenstrual bleeding is bleeding between cycles, and amenorrhea is absence of menses.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder shows a pattern of symptoms that are tied to the menstrual cycle, especially in the luteal phase before a period, and are severe enough to interfere with daily life. The defining feature is a combination of intense emotional changes—such as irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, or mood swings—plus physical symptoms like bloating or breast tenderness that occur in the week before menses and improve after the period starts. This level of severity and functional impact sets PMDD apart from milder premenstrual symptoms. The other options describe issues not related to PMDD: intermenstrual bleeding is bleeding between cycles, and amenorrhea is absence of menses.