---
title: Should PMDD be included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals? | Niyora
description: PMDD is currently in the DSM diagnostic manual, which helps women access treatment. The authors raise ethical concerns about whether this classification has u
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychological-premenstrual-symptoms-as-a-clinical-diagnosis-an-ethical-review-2010/
---

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- Should PMDD be included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals?

Review, 2010

# Should PMDD be included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals?

PMDD is currently in the DSM diagnostic manual, which helps women access treatment. The authors raise ethical concerns about whether this classification has unintended consequences.

 Early or limited evidence

Ethical analysis (no study population)

## What they did

Ethical review examining the merits and concerns of including PMDD in the DSM-IV diagnostic manual. The review discusses the normal menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and the clinical reality of PMDD as a disorder.

## What they found

Women lose about 70-80ml of blood each month during menstruation and experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood changes and physical discomfort. PMDD is listed in the DSM-IV as a depressive disorder, which has helped psychologists recognize and treat women's menstrual cycle problems. However, the review notes there are downsides to having PMDD in the DSM.

## What it means for you

Including PMDD in diagnostic manuals has helped women get clinical care, but there are ethical concerns about stigma and implications. The abstract does not specify what those downsides are, so the practical implications are unclear.

70-80

milliliters of blood lost per menstrual cycle

## About the study

Original title Psychological Premenstrual Symptoms as a Clinical Diagnosis: An Ethical Review Authors Isabelle Carren-Le Sauter Year 2010 Study design Review What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.7916/d84q81zh](https://doi.org/10.7916/d84q81zh)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

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## Related studies

Cohort study, 2026

What genetic factors are linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Systematic review, 2026

How often do mood disorders and PMS or PMDD occur together?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Systematic review, 2024

How common is PMDD?

Systematic review, 2021

Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Non-randomised trial, 2008

Can the Sheehan Disability Scale measure whether treatments work?

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