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Study, 2012

How should criminal law treat women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

This is a legal argument, not medical research. The author argues that women with PMDD need legal defenses that account for whether the condition affected their thinking and judgment.

Early or limited evidence Not a medical or clinical study - legal analysis

What they did

The author reviewed legal theory and criminal law to argue that PMDD should be considered in how the legal system determines if someone is responsible for their actions.

What they found

The author argues that PMDD is a genuine mental health condition affecting mood and behavior, and that it often occurs alongside other stressors in women's lives. The legal system should consider these factors when determining if a woman with PMDD should be held responsible for criminal actions.

What it means for you

This is a legal and philosophical argument for changing how the legal system treats PMDD, not medical evidence about PMDD treatment or severity. It does not tell you whether any treatments work or how common PMDD is.

About the study

Original title
“That Time of Month:” Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in the Criminal Law-Another Look
Authors
Rosanna Langer
Journal
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology
Year
2012
Study design
Study
What was tested
None - legal analysis
Open access
Yes

Topics