Part of “CHAPTER 99 – PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME“

Premenstrual syndrome is the cyclic recurrence in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle of a combination of distressing physical, psychological, and/or behavioral changes of sufficient severity to result in deterioration of interpersonal relationships and/or interference with normal activities. The American Psychiatric Association has included as an appendix to the fourth revised edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnostic criteria for those persons in whom irritability, tension, dysphoria, or lability of mood are major components of premenstrual symptomatology, calling this condition premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).2