---
title: Should PMDD be recognized as a real mental health diagnosis? | Niyora
description: Yes, research has grown enough to support PMDD as a full diagnostic category in the DSM-5, which should increase treatment options and research.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-evidence-for-a-new-category-for-dsm-5-2012/
---

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- Should PMDD be recognized as a real mental health diagnosis?

Interview study, 2012

# Should PMDD be recognized as a real mental health diagnosis?

Yes, research has grown enough to support PMDD as a full diagnostic category in the DSM-5, which should increase treatment options and research.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of research on PMDD affecting 2-5% of premenopausal women worldwide

## What they did

Expert review group examined published research on PMDD and recommended how it should be classified in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual.

## What they found

PMDD affects 2-5% of premenopausal women. Since diagnostic criteria were added to DSM-IV, research on the disorder's causes, patterns, and treatments has grown significantly.

## What it means for you

Recognizing PMDD as a real diagnosis will help women feel believed and encourage more research into new treatments. This is expert opinion based on reviewing research, not new research data.

2-5%

premenopausal women with PMDD

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: evidence for a new category for DSM-5 Authors Epperson CN, Steiner M, Hartlage SA et al. Journal The American journal of psychiatry Year 2012 Study design Interview study What was tested Expert recommendation for diagnostic classification Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11081302](https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11081302)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Systematic review, 2026

How often do mood disorders and PMS or PMDD occur together?

Systematic review, 2026

Does vitamin D supplementation help PMS symptoms?

Study, 2026

How do women with PMDD process emotions differently in their brains?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Systematic review, 2026

How much of PMDD treatment improvement comes from placebo effect?

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