PMDD and cycle-related mood symptoms
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age. Symptoms appear in the week or two before a period and usually ease within a few days after it starts. They can include intense irritability or anger, sadness or hopelessness, tension and panic, mood swings, trouble concentrating, fatigue, sleep problems, and physical symptoms — and, for some people, thoughts of suicide.
Diagnosis relies on tracking your symptoms against your cycle, usually over more than one month, and on ruling out other conditions that can look similar or get worse premenstrually, such as depression and anxiety. Treatment options with good evidence include certain SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PMDD), a specific hormonal birth control pill that is FDA-approved for PMDD, and supportive psychotherapy skills. Hormonal options are typically managed with your OB-GYN or primary care clinician, and we coordinate with them. Read our full guide to PMDD →
Pregnancy
Many people worry about the effects of both untreated symptoms and medication during pregnancy. These decisions are made carefully, with your full history and your preferences, weighing the risks of untreated illness against the risks of any medication. During pregnancy, VeraMind works alongside your OB, who stays involved in prescribing decisions. NIMH notes that the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies of mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy is very low, and advises letting any health care provider know if you are pregnant or nursing.
Postpartum
About 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth report symptoms of postpartum depression, and anxiety is common too. The "baby blues" typically fade within days to a couple of weeks; postpartum depression and anxiety are more intense, last longer, and get in the way of caring for yourself or your baby. VeraMind evaluates and manages postpartum mood and anxiety symptoms, including medication decisions that take breastfeeding into account, coordinating with your OB, midwife, or pediatrician when helpful. Postpartum anxiety vs. postpartum depression: signs and when to get help →
What your first appointment looks like
The first visit is a 60-minute video evaluation. We talk through your symptoms and how they relate to your cycle, pregnancy, or postpartum timeline; your sleep; your medical, psychiatric, and family history; and every medication and supplement you take. With your permission, we coordinate with your OB-GYN, midwife, pediatrician, or primary care provider so your care fits together.
Treatment, with the whole picture in view
Your plan might include medication, supportive psychotherapy skills woven into your visits, lifestyle changes, or a combination. Because Jacque is board-certified in both psychiatric-mental health and family practice, hormonal and medical factors are part of the conversation. VeraMind does not offer standalone therapy; if you'd like weekly therapy, we'll coordinate with a therapist. Every prescribing decision is individualized and made after a full evaluation.
Cost and insurance
The first visit is a 60-minute evaluation at a fixed self-pay rate of $259, and follow-up visits are 30 minutes at $129. Commercial insurance is accepted through Headway (Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Carelon Behavioral Health, Curative, and select Blue Cross plans), and Headway verifies your eligibility and estimated cost before your appointment. Superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement. VeraMind is not enrolled with Medicare or Alabama Medicaid and is unable to accept patients covered by either, and we do not offer sliding-scale fee programs or financial hardship applications. See full pricing and insurance details →