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Cohort study, 1992

What percentage of women seeking help for premenstrual symptoms have PMDD?

Between 14% and 45%, depending on how symptoms were measured. This wide range shows there is no standard way to diagnose PMDD yet.

Strong study design Over 1,000 women seeking evaluation for premenstrual complaints at five U.S. sites; 670 analyzed

What they did

Over 1,000 women at five U.S. sites seeking help for premenstrual symptoms completed daily symptom ratings. Data from 670 women with complete information were analyzed using four different methods to assess symptom change.

What they found

Depending on assessment method, 14% to 45% of women met PMDD criteria. Current diagnostic symptoms appeared in 7% to 54% of women. Five symptoms not currently in diagnostic criteria were also significantly common.

What it means for you

Many women seeking help have PMDD, but lack of a standard diagnostic method means estimates vary widely. Better diagnostic criteria are needed.

670

Women with complete data

14% to 45%

Range meeting PMDD criteria

About the study

Original title
Late luteal phase dysphoric disorder in 670 women evaluated for premenstrual complaints
Authors
Hurt SW, Schnurr PP, Severino SK et al.
Journal
The American journal of psychiatry
Year
1992
Study design
Cohort study
Participants
1,000
What was tested
None

Topics