What criteria must Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder fulfill?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by a cluster of emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve shortly after the onset of menstruation. For a diagnosis of PMDD, it is essential that the symptoms lead to clinically significant distress or functional impairment. This means the symptoms must interfere with daily activities or cause significant emotional distress that is disproportionate to the typical premenstrual changes experienced by many individuals.

Clinically significant distress or functional impairment is a key component of the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, which helps differentiate PMDD from other less severe conditions and ensures that those affected receive appropriate intervention. This is why the correct answer focuses on the necessity of distress or impairment in the context of PMDD, as it underscores the severity and impact of the disorder on an individual's quality of life.

While it is true that symptoms improve after the onset of menstruation, the definition of PMDD relies significantly on the degree of distress or impairment rather than just the timing of the symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms of PMDD are not always severe but do need to meet the threshold of causing significant issues to warrant the diagnosis. It’s also important to note that PMDD does not specifically occur during