title: The premenstrual syndrome: selection of women for treatment trials.
abstract: Statements made at interview by 31 women presenting with the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were compared with the moods and physical symptoms reported daily during the next 6 menstrual cycles. Diagnosis was confirmed in 21 women (premenstrual tension (PMT) present in greater than or equal to 5/6 cycles), not substantiated in two (PMT in less than or equal to 1/6 cycles) and in doubt in eight. Placebo treatment was associated with a significant over-all reduction in both the incidence and the severity of mood-related PMT, but had no clear effect on premenstrual physical symptoms; women with PMT in 5 cycles were usually placebo-resistant. Criteria are proposed for the selection of women for treatment trials based on their response to placebo.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012649:Self Concept
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos