Educational; diagnosis requires a clinician.
There seems to be a deep connection between PMDD and ADHD. Probably far deeper than we will understand in our lifetime, but one day, I believe we will see just how very much they systematically intertwine.
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45% of women with ADHD have PMDD
When we consider how often PMDD is misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder etc, the statistics are most likely much higher
Shared Symptoms Between PMDD & ADHD
executive dysfunction
irritability
sleep issues
sensory overwhelm
all of these, are often worse during your luteal phase, the 2 weeks before your period begins.
Key differences
ADHD traits exist all month; PMDD spikes during your luteal phase and then finally, relief begins after bleeding begins.
What Helps
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Cycle-synced scheduling (plan your hardest tasks outside of your luteal phase)
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Externalize everything. Get everything out of your head. All of it. (use lists, timers, sticky notes) (remember - out of sight out of mind, will make you out of your mind)
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Body-doubling for tasks (virtual coworking- podcasts, audiobooks, body doubling youtube channels etc) This can help you tune out your own noise allowing you to keep moving in the flow state. Doesn't work for everyone, but it's worth a shot.
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Schedule fewer social activities - save your social batteries
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Allow yourself twice as much time as you think an event or task will take. This will help turn down that pressure cooker inside your head.
Below, I'll include something that has helped me tremendously.
daily reset (13 min):
1. Pause. Take 5 minutes to write down every single thing that comes to your brain. Every task, every " I need to", every "I should", every creative idea, every appointment, every future problem etc.
2. Take all of the thoughts that are spinning around inside your head and dump them, right there on the paper. Bullet print style for easier review if you can.
3. Choose 5 of those items that you've written down to tackle.
4. Schedule them for the following day.
5. clear your "desk" and leave your list of 5 front and center so it's the first thing you see the next day
FAQs
Can I have both PMDD & ADHD?
Yes. The odds are almost 50%. Work with clinicians to tailor meds/tools.
Does PMDD impact my medications?
Yes. Ask your prescriber about luteal medical adjustments.
