---
title: Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?
description: Yes, according to expert consensus. PMDD has distinct characteristics, clear symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, and responds differently to treatment tha
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/is-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-distinct-clinical-entity-1999/
---

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- Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?

Review, 1999

# Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?

Yes, according to expert consensus. PMDD has distinct characteristics, clear symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, and responds differently to treatment than other mood disorders.

 Moderate study design

Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

## What they did

Roundtable discussion where expert panel reviewed evidence about PMDD and compared it to known mood and anxiety disorders.

## What they found

At least 60 percent of PMDD patients respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. PMDD has clear onset and offset of symptoms closely tied to the menstrual cycle with prominent anger, irritability, and internal tension. Symptoms remain stable cycle to cycle. PMDD differs from mood disorders in how the body handles serotonin and has genetic factors not found in major depression.

## What it means for you

PMDD is a separate condition from depression and anxiety, which matters for correct diagnosis and treatment. This is a discussion of expert opinion, not original research data, which is a limitation.

60%

PMDD patients responding to SSRIs

## About the study

Original title Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical entity? Authors Endicott J, Amsterdam J, Eriksson E et al. Journal Journal of women's health & gender-based medicine Year 1999 Study design Review What was tested Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Read the paper [doi.org/10.1089/jwh.1.1999.8.663](https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.1.1999.8.663)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Cohort study, 2012

How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms?

Survey study, 2001

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Study, 2026

What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Cohort study, 2022

What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?

Review, 2000

What conditions beyond depression can antidepressants treat?

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