---
title: How did PMS and PMDD become recognized as medical conditions?
description: Historical, cultural, political, and economic forces shaped the diagnosis of PMS and PMDD, which became popular among doctors, the public, and women. These di
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-ms-hyde-how-pms-became-a-cultural-phenomenon-2002/
---

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- How did PMS and PMDD become recognized as medical conditions?

Review, 2002

# How did PMS and PMDD become recognized as medical conditions?

Historical, cultural, political, and economic forces shaped the diagnosis of PMS and PMDD, which became popular among doctors, the public, and women. These diagnostic labels can be helpful but also harmful to women.

 Early or limited evidence

Literature review of social history (not a study of specific people)

## What they did

Historical and cultural analysis of how PMS and PMDD became recognized as diagnostic categories.

## What they found

PMS and PMDD diagnostic labels became popular among medical professionals, the general public, and women themselves. The labels can do damage to women.

## What it means for you

Diagnosis reflects both medical science and social forces. Labels can name symptoms but also carry stigma. This is a historical review, not a study of specific people.

## About the study

Original title The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde: how PMS became a cultural phenomenon and a psychiatric disorder Authors Chrisler JC, Caplan P Journal Annual review of sex research Year 2002 Study design Review What was tested Not applicable Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/10532528.2002.10559807](https://doi.org/10.1080/10532528.2002.10559807)

## 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/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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.

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Survey study, 2025

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