Premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

This paper is an overview of research on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), focusing on the key topics of definition of the syndrome and the relationship of PMS to psychiatric illness. The etiology and treatment of PMS is discussed. Medical‐legal implications of PMS are also reviewed with attention directed to the few studies and court cases relating PMS to the concept of diminished criminal responsibility. Researchers are beginning to make some progress with respect to criteria for the diagnosis of PMS. Much work remains concerning the questions of the relationship of PMS to psychiatric disorders and whether PMS should be considered as one syndrome or many.

Evaluating Therapeutic Change in Symptom Severity at the Level of the Individual Woman Experiencing Severe PMS

“…Clear delineation of PMS and perimenstrual symptom clusters has plagued investigators attempting to understand the phenomena of symptoms that appear to follow a menstrual cycle pattern (Abplanalp, 1988). Certainly part of the problem has been the reliance on aggregate data that obscures individual differences.…”

“…Asking women to retrospectively rate symptom severity for the postmenstrual and premenstrual phases of the past three menstrual cycles does not accurately reflect the symptom severity found on a day to day basis. Other investigators have found this same effect where individuals will magnify their retrospective symptom severity response or minimize their prospective ratings of symptom severity (Abplanalp, 1988;Shaver & Woods, 1986;Woods et al, 1987).…”

“…While the treatment was intended for women with cyclic PNA, the treatment appeared to diminish symptom severity in this participant representing the nonmenstrual cycle (or social week) response pattern. This particular pattern challenges the simple biodeterministic model of the menstrual cycle suggesting a complex interaction that may occur between social and physiological factors at different phases of the menstrual cycle (Abplanalp, 1988).…”

“That Time of Month:” Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in the Criminal Law-Another Look

“…Some additional items include: acne, changes in libido, hot flashes, changes in energy level (e.g., increased fatigue; hypomanic-like behavior), suicidal feelings; decrease in self-esteem; difficulty concentrating; mood swings; food cravings; impulsive behavior; crying spells; and insomnia. (Abplanalp 1985) Some research indicates that the premenstrual period is significantly correlated with accident proneness, susceptibility to alcohol and suicide attempts. (Chait 1986) Epileptic women have more seizures during this time of their cycle.…”

“…(Chait 1986) Epileptic women have more seizures during this time of their cycle. (Abplanalp 1985) Abplanalp notes that up to recently, the issue of severity of symptoms was rarely investigated, but is now evaluated more routinely both with respect to intensity of the symptoms and their influence or impact on daily life.…”