A DSM-5-based tool to monitor concurrent mood and premenstrual symptoms: the McMaster Premenstrual and Mood Symptom Scale (MAC-PMSS)

Abstract

Background Despite high co-morbidity between premenstrual dysphoric disorder and mood disorders, there is a gap of research-based tools to monitor concurrent premenstrual and mood symptoms. In this study, we developed a new DSM-5-based questionnaire to prospectively monitor concurrent premenstrual and mood symptoms. Methods Fifty-two females with bipolar or major depressive disorder, ages 16–45, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed two months of prospective symptom charting including the McMaster Premenstrual and Mood Symptom Scale (MAC-PMSS) and the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). At the end of the prospective charting, participants also completed the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The MAC-PMSS was correlated with the DRSP, MADRS, HDRS and YMRS. Results All individual items of the MAC-PMSS correlated strongly with the individual DRSP scores (all p < 0.001). The mood section of the MAC-PMSS also significantly correlated with MADRS (r = 0.572; p < 0.01), HDRS (r = 0.555; p < 0.01) and YMRS scores (r = 0.456; p < 0.01). Conclusions The MAC-PMSS is a reliable to tool to measure concurrent mood and premenstrual symptoms in women with mood disorders.

Bipolar Disorder and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

“…An example is the McMaster Premenstrual and Mood Symptom Scale, developed by researchers at McMaster University, which is a rating form that assesses PMDD symptoms and the severity of depression and mania symptoms daily. 9 If prospective symptom ratings indicate the presence of an untreated or partially treated underlying disorder, the treatment of the underlying disorder should be tackled first. Ideally, symptom ratings for PMDD would be repeated once a woman achieved maximal symptom control of her underlying disorder with treatment.…”