---
title: Are visual analog scales valid for measuring PMDD symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes. The revised visual analog scale reliably measures PMDD symptoms with consistent results whether women assess symptoms as they happen or from memory.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/validation-of-a-revised-visual-analog-scale-for-premenstrual-mood-symptoms-2005/
---

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- Are visual analog scales valid for measuring PMDD symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2005

# Are visual analog scales valid for measuring PMDD symptoms?

Yes. The revised visual analog scale reliably measures PMDD symptoms with consistent results whether women assess symptoms as they happen or from memory.

 Strong study design

1208 women from 4 randomized controlled trials testing paroxetine for PMDD

## What they did

Researchers analyzed data from 4 randomized controlled trials (1208 women total) testing paroxetine for PMDD. They compared visual analog scale measurements against another validated measurement scale (PMTS-O) to assess reliability and validity.

## What they found

The visual analog scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.90). Visual analog scores moderately correlated with PMTS-O scores at baseline (p<0.01). For measuring symptom changes, the two scales were strongly correlated (p<0.01). Results were similar whether symptoms were collected prospectively or retrospectively.

## What it means for you

This validates the visual analog scale as a reliable measurement tool for PMDD. Women can report symptoms using this scale and results are trustworthy. However, this is a methodological study about measurement, not about treating PMDD.

1208

women from 4 trials

>0.90

Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency)

p<0.01

correlation between measurement scales

## About the study

Original title Validation of a revised visual analog scale for premenstrual mood symptoms: results from prospective and retrospective trials Authors Steiner M, Streiner DL Journal Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie Year 2005 Study design Randomised trial Participants 1,208 What was tested Not applicable, measurement validation study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/070674370505000607](https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370505000607)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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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