---
title: Should premenstrual syndrome be classified as a psychiatric disorder?
description: This paper argues that classifying PMS as psychiatric is problematic. It shows that the political agenda behind this classification is stronger than the scien
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/should-premenstrual-syndrome-be-called-a-psychiatric-abnormality-1992/
---

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- Should premenstrual syndrome be classified as a psychiatric disorder?

Study, 1992

# Should premenstrual syndrome be classified as a psychiatric disorder?

This paper argues that classifying PMS as psychiatric is problematic. It shows that the political agenda behind this classification is stronger than the scientific evidence, and that research in PMS has serious methodological flaws.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable; this is a literature and discourse analysis, not a study of women with PMS

## What they did

The author reviewed published literature and discourse about PMS to examine the debate over its classification.

## What they found

PMS classification as psychiatric is driven by political agenda and shaped by culture and dramatic legal events (British trials where PMS was used as a legal defense), not just by sound scientific evidence.

## What it means for you

This is a critical discussion of how medical categories are created and defined, not a study with data about PMS itself. It is useful to understand the context of PMS classification, but this paper does not address PMS causes, treatments, or how common it is.

## About the study

Original title Should `Premenstrual Syndrome' be Called a Psychiatric Abnormality? Authors Paula J. Caplan, Joan Mccurdy Myers, Maureen Gans Journal Feminism & Psychology Year 1992 Study design Study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/0959353592021003](https://doi.org/10.1177/0959353592021003)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

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