Review, 2003
Is PMDD just a biological problem, or do stress and life experience matter too?
This review argues PMDD is not only biological; life stress, a history of sexual abuse, and cultural background also matter, though as a review it does not provide its own new numbers or data.
What they did
This is a review article that looks at existing evidence on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) through a biopsychosocial lens, meaning it considers biological, psychological, and social factors together rather than running a new study.
What they found
The review states that a small but significant number of women are severely impaired by premenstrual symptoms, especially mood-related ones. While PMDD is usually seen mainly as a biological illness, the review found strong evidence that life stress, a history of sexual abuse, and cultural socialization are important factors shaping premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
Diagnosing and treating PMDD should take both biological and life-experience factors into account, not biology alone. Because this is a review of existing evidence rather than a new study, it does not include its own sample size, measurements, or control group.
About the study
- Original title
- A biopsychosocial approach to premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Ross LE, Steiner M
- Journal
- The Psychiatric clinics of North America
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- None, this is a review discussing diagnosis and treatment considerations
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0193-953x(03)00035-2
Topics
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