title: Towards a definition of PMS.II: A factor analytic evaluation of premenstrual change in women with symptomatic premenstrual change.
abstract: We have examined the value of the Premenstrual Assessment Form (PAF) in 109 women with prospectively validated symptomatic premenstrual change. Results were compared with those of non-complaining women previously published (J Psychosom Res 1990; 34: 439-446.), there was considerable overlap in categorical and numerical scales so that selection of homogeneous populations of complainers could not be achieved. However, fewer than 7% of complainers had a total PAF numerical score in the normal range (defined as 2 SD above the mean total score of controls). Factor analysis of numerical scores in women with symptomatic premenstrual change suggested three factors similar to but not identical with those of non-complaining women. These were physiological depression, anxiety-volatility and increased well-being. While the negative syndromes are compatible with clinical experience, prospective investigation will be required to assess their homogeneity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Krausher
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000523:psychology*; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics