Psychiatry's hypomania scam

Devilock wrote:As in, its a naturally occurring thing that happens to some women at that time of the month.

I agree that having this in the DSM can cause for over diagnosis and abuse of this very real disorder however. The diagnostic criteria in my opinion is much to vague and does make it seem like it's just a label for every women around the time of their cycle. From personal experience knowing people who do have PMDD, it is a completely different type of thing than just regular woman hormonal issues.

A. In most menstrual cycles during the past year, five (or more) of the following symptoms occurred during the final week before the onset of menses, started to improve within a few days after the onset of menses, and were minimal or absent in the week postmenses, with at least one of the symptoms being either (1), (2), (3), or (4):(1) marked affective laibility (e.g., mood swings; feeling suddenly sad or tearful or increased sensitivity to rejection)
(2) marked irritability or anger or increased interpersonal conflicts
(3) markedly depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
(4) marked anxiety, tension, feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge"
(5) decreased interest in usual activities (e.g., work, school, friends, hobbies)
(6) subjective sense of difficulty in concentration
(7) lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy
(8) marked change in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings
(9) hypersomnia or insomnia
(10) a subjective sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
(11) other physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of "bloating," weight gain

B. The symptoms are associated with clinically significant distress or interferences with work, school, usual social activities or relationships with others (e.g. avoidance of social activities, decreased productivity and efficiency at work, school or home).

C. The disturbance is not merely an exacerbation of the symptoms of another disorder, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, or a Personality Disorder (although it may be superimposed on any of these disorders).

D. Criteria A, B, and C should be confirmed by prospective daily ratings during at least two symptomatic cycles. (The diagnosis may be made provisionally prior to this confirmation.)

E. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).

F. In oral contraceptives users, a diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder should not be made unless the premenstrual symptoms are reported to be present, and as severe, when the woman is not taking the oral contraceptive.

Devilock wrote:Also, if women *are* having hormonal problems, they should have their hormones treated and re balanced , not put on neurotoxic medicines and seen by psychiatrists.

I also stated that the diagnostic criteria was much too vague and does leave the door open for over diagnosis.