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Interview study, 2012

Should PMDD be recognized as a real mental health diagnosis?

Yes, research has grown enough to support PMDD as a full diagnostic category in the DSM-5, which should increase treatment options and research.

Early or limited evidence Review of research on PMDD affecting 2-5% of premenopausal women worldwide

What they did

Expert review group examined published research on PMDD and recommended how it should be classified in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual.

What they found

PMDD affects 2-5% of premenopausal women. Since diagnostic criteria were added to DSM-IV, research on the disorder's causes, patterns, and treatments has grown significantly.

What it means for you

Recognizing PMDD as a real diagnosis will help women feel believed and encourage more research into new treatments. This is expert opinion based on reviewing research, not new research data.

2-5%

premenopausal women with PMDD

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: evidence for a new category for DSM-5
Authors
Epperson CN, Steiner M, Hartlage SA et al.
Journal
The American journal of psychiatry
Year
2012
Study design
Interview study
What was tested
Expert recommendation for diagnostic classification
Open access
Yes

Topics