title: PMS and PMDD in the domain of mental health nursing.
abstract: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex cluster of symptoms that occurs 7 to 14 days prior to menses and ends 1 to 2 days after menses. Premenstrual syndrome symptoms can create severe, debilitating psychological and physical problems. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) provides criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can be considered the most severe presentation on the PMS continuum. A critical part of determining the diagnosis is evaluating the timing of symptoms. True PMS only occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, with a symptom-free period during the follicular phase. After identifying a diagnosis of PMS or PMDD, the first-line treatment of these symptom clusters continues to be lifestyle changes, including stress management, healthy diet, regular aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and fortified coping strategies. Women whose symptoms are not controlled adequately with lifestyle modifications may benefit from medications. Possible medication recommendations include selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), diuretics, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and vitamin and mineral supplements.
authors.affiliation: Community Support Program, VA Central Iowa Health Care System, Knoxville, Iowa, USA. stearns@harenet.net
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stearns
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004032:Diet; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D008019:Life Style; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D014815:Vitamins