[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Recommendation for diagnosis of a distinct affective clinical picture].
In the research appendix of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fourth edn.), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDS) is classified as a cycle-related affective disorder. The cycle dependency of symptoms is the mean criterion for classifying this syndrome as a distinct etiological entity. These time-related criteria make special demands on diagnostic procedure, which must include retrospective and prospective elements. With our own study, we propose a three-step diagnostic process: (1) telephone screening, (2) retrospective diagnosis by a structured clinical interview, and (3) prospective diagnosis based on daily symptom ratings during two consecutive menstrual cycles. Following this procedure, the disorder could be verified in 4% of the original sample, which replicates the prevalence rate found in the literature.
Schwärzler
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B
Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Psychologisches Institut, Abteilung für Klinische und Physiologische Psychologie, Christophstrasse 2, 72072 Tübingen. birgit.schwaerzler@uni-tuebingen.de
Hautzinger
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D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology