PMDD and Violent Behavior

Q: Please help my daughter. She seems to have PMDD. She becomes incredibly violent one week before her period. She hits me and is extremely angry and violent. She'll be 15 in August and she had her first period at the age of 9 3/4.

She is always a loving, warm, charming, gentle, caring, wonderful person at other times. She's very smart, and is a straight A student. I love her dearly but am now desperate.

Should we go to a doctor or psychiatrist? Can you give me a referral to a doctor in my area?

The violence is awful but what's worse is that she just hates herself during and after these "episodes." Of course this hurts our relationship but the depression that accompanies the violence is so severe that it scares me. She should not have to suffer like this.

I look forward to your reply. Thank you for your help!!!

--M.S.

Dr. Donnica: First of all, let me reassure you that we NEVER use anyone's real name on our website (other than with writers who write personal columns for us). We do reprint questions that users send us so that the answers can benefit others. We make every effort to remove any identifying information.

Unfortunately, we cannot make referrals to specific physicians. Let me also reassure you that there is hope for your daughter. I encourage you to take her to see a psychiatrist ASAP. Before booking your appointment, ask the doctor if s/he has experience treating severe PMS/PMDD. I also recommend that her first appointment be during a PMS week if possible and the next appointment be during a non-PMS week so the doctor can see the difference first hand.

Click here for more information about depression or other mental health issues.

With best wishes,
Donnica Moore, MD
President, DrDonnica.com

Created: 7/19/2003  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.