With PMDD, however, significant anxiety, depression and hopelessness may occur. In simplest terms, the difference between PMS and PMDD can be likened to the difference between a mild headache and a migraine.
Treatment for PMS depends on the severity of the symptoms. For mild cases, treatment recommendations include diet modifications, like high carbohydrate meals and reducing salt, caffeine and alcohol. A variety of methods for stress reduction and relaxation such as exercise, counseling and stress/behavior management strategies may also help. For severe PMDD, treatment is more aggressive and often requires antidepressants.