title: The premenstrual tension syndrome rating scales: an updated version.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Premenstrual Tension Syndrome (PMTS) Rating Scales have been widely used as inclusion criteria and/or outcome measures in clinical trials of treatment of Premenstrual Syndromes (PMS). However, both the PMTS Observer Rating Scale (PMTS-O) and the PMTS Self Rating Scale (PMTS-SR) are outdated. We propose to bring them in line with the DSM-IV criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) by updating the PMTS-O and replacing the PMTS-SR with a Multiple Visual Analogue Scale (PMTS-VAS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 23 Caucasian, English-speaking women in their reproductive years with regular menstrual cycles was recruited. Participants were administered the revised PMTS-O (PMTS-OR) by a trained clinician and then instructed to complete the PMTS-SR and the new PMTS-VAS, both of which were timed. The participants were also asked which of the instruments they preferred.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PMTS-OR and the new PMTS-VAS were sensitive to the variation in severity of premenstrual symptoms among the study participants. All 3 questionnaires showed very high inter-correlations. The PMTS-VAS took less time to complete, and most women preferred the PMTS-VAS to the original PMTS-SR, especially those with PMDD and severe PMS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By making minor modifications to the PMTS-O we have ensured that all criteria for the DSM-IV definition of PMDD are now represented in the PMTS-OR. The new PMTS-VAS mirrors the PMTS-OR but now also captures the severity of self rated symptoms. These scales are simple to complete for both clinicians and clients, and are reliable, valid and sensitive to change.
authors.affiliation: Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada. mst@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.forename: Miki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peer
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Macdougall
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haskett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014894:Weights and Measures