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Case report, 1986

How should doctors identify premenstrual tension syndrome?

Doctors should look for the timing pattern: symptoms that appear before the period and disappear when it starts. PMS can exist alone or alongside other mental health conditions.

Early or limited evidence 4 case examples of premenstrual tension syndrome

What they did

Four case examples are presented showing how to diagnose premenstrual tension syndrome. The key diagnostic feature is a time-limited pattern tied to the menstrual cycle.

What they found

The four cases show that premenstrual tension can coexist with other psychological problems, can make other conditions worse, or can be made worse by other conditions.

What it means for you

Doctors need to look for the menstrual cycle timing pattern when women report fluctuating symptoms. PMS can overlap with other mental health problems, which makes diagnosis more complex.

4

case examples presented

About the study

Original title
Diagnosing premenstrual tension syndrome
Authors
Haskett RF, Steiner M
Journal
Hospital & community psychiatry
Year
1986
Study design
Case report
What was tested
None

Topics