---
title: What is the difference between PMS and PMDD, and how are they diagnosed?
description: PMS and PMDD are distinguished by how many symptoms are required. PMDD needs at least five symptoms, while PMS needs just one distressing symptom, and diagnos
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-definitions-and-2003/
---

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- What is the difference between PMS and PMDD, and how are they diagnosed?

Survey study, 2003

# What is the difference between PMS and PMDD, and how are they diagnosed?

PMS and PMDD are distinguished by how many symptoms are required. PMDD needs at least five symptoms, while PMS needs just one distressing symptom, and diagnosis requires daily diaries since no blood test exists.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable; this is a review of diagnostic criteria rather than a study of individual women

## What they did

Review of diagnostic criteria comparing DSM-IV and ICD-10 definitions for PMS and PMDD, and discussing the role of daily symptom tracking in diagnosis.

## What they found

DSM-IV requires at least five symptoms for PMDD while ICD-10 requires only one distressing symptom for PMS. Diagnosis requires timing symptoms in relation to menstruation, showing meaningful change in severity between phases, and confirmation with prospective daily diaries. No hormone or laboratory test indicates PMS.

## What it means for you

There is no agreed global standard for diagnosing PMS. Different countries use different thresholds, so a woman might be diagnosed with PMDD in one place and just PMS in another. A blood test cannot diagnose these conditions, so daily tracking is essential. The key is that clinically significant PMS involves much worse symptoms before the period.

5

minimum symptoms required for PMDD in DSM-IV

1

minimum symptom required for PMS in ICD-10

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: definitions and diagnosis Authors Freeman EW Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 2003 Study design Survey study What was tested None; this is a review article Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00099-4](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(03)00099-4)

## 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/)

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## Related studies

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

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Does vitamin D supplementation help PMS symptoms?

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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

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