What symptom is specifically associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Feeling overwhelmed is a symptom specifically associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD is characterized by severe emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is the time after ovulation and before the onset of menstruation. Women with PMDD often report significant mood disturbances, including feelings of tension, anxiety, and being overwhelmed by daily tasks or emotions.

The severity of these symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and can lead to increased irritability, mood swings, and emotional instability. Furthermore, this feeling of being overwhelmed can be profound, often leading to difficulties in coping with normal daily stressors.

In contrast, increased socialization, auditory hallucinations, and increased interest in activities do not typically align with the symptom profile of PMDD. Increased socialization and interest in activities may reflect the absence of depressive or anxiety symptoms rather than the presence of PMDD. Auditory hallucinations are associated with psychotic disorders, not PMDD. Therefore, feeling overwhelmed stands out as a hallmark symptom linked specifically to this disorder.