Survey study, 1985
What is the best way to diagnose and measure premenstrual syndrome?
A proper PMS diagnosis requires clear changes in symptom intensity between menstrual and premenstrual phases, measured across at least two cycles. Emotional symptoms are the most common complaint.
What they did
Analyzed data from 241 patients who showed marked symptom changes, comparing four different diagnostic methods: physician interview, symptom questionnaire, daily symptom ratings, and a symptom checklist.
What they found
Premenstrual symptom levels were severe. Some women had moderate symptoms continuing into the early part of the menstrual cycle. Emotional symptoms were predominant across the group.
What it means for you
Proper PMS diagnosis depends on tracking timing and severity over multiple cycles. Some women may have other undiagnosed conditions. This study focused on diagnosis methods rather than testing treatments.
241
Patients studied
4
Diagnostic evaluation methods compared
2
Minimum cycles documented
About the study
- Original title
- Evaluating premenstrual symptoms in medical practice
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Sondheimer S, Weinbaum PJ et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1985
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 241
- What was tested
- Comparison of four diagnostic evaluation methods
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4039044/
Topics
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