Premenstrual dysphoric symptoms amongst Brazilian college students: factor structure and methodological appraisal.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to assess the factor structure of the DSM-IV Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) symptoms and its relationship with depressive symptoms.


METHODS
We evaluated retrospectively PMDD symptoms in 513 female college students, through a self-reporting questionnaire based on DSM-IV criteria, in addition to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Principal component analysis on PMDD symptom data was performed to assess its dimensional structure.


RESULTS
In this non-clinical sample, the analysis indicated a higher importance of the dysphoric dimension, but physical symptoms as well as "being out of control" or "overwhelmed" should also be viewed as major symptoms of PMDD. Behavioural symptoms are of secondary importance. The mean BDI score of PMDD group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than non-PMDD group.


CONCLUSIONS
The factor structure of the total sample was similar to the symptom structure suggested by DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Depressive symptoms should be viewed as a confounding variable in PMDD.
Teng
Chei-Tung
CT
Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, Rua Dr.Ovídio Pires de Campos 785, CEP 05403-010, São Paulo SP, Brazil. tengtung@terra.com.br
Filho
Antônio Helio Guerra Vieira
AH
Artes
Rinaldo
R
Gorenstein
Clarice
C
Andrade
Laura H
LH
Wang
Yuan-Pang
YP
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013334:Students