What symptom is most consistent with less severe forms of PMS rather than PMDD?

The symptom most consistent with less severe forms of PMS rather than PMDD is physical pain. Women experiencing PMS may report physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mild cramping, which can occur with fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. These symptoms, while uncomfortable, do not typically reach the severity associated with PMDD, which involves intense emotional and psychological symptoms.

In PMDD, the emotional and behavioral symptoms, such as severe mood swings, marked irritability, and anger outbursts, are prominent. These psychological symptoms can significantly hinder daily functioning and are much more intense compared to those experienced with less severe PMS. Therefore, among the options provided, physical pain aligns more with the discomfort typically observed in PMS rather than the debilitating emotional disturbances characteristic of PMDD.