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Survey study, 2011

Can premenstrual symptom rating scales be simplified and made easier to use?

Yes. Researchers updated the rating scales and created a new visual scale that women found easier to use, especially those with severe PMS or PMDD.

Early or limited evidence 23 Caucasian, English-speaking women with regular menstrual cycles

What they did

23 women completed three different questionnaires about premenstrual symptoms: an updated clinician rating scale, an old self-rating scale, and a new visual scale.

What they found

All three questionnaires showed very high agreement with each other. The new visual scale took less time to complete than the old self-rating scale. Most women preferred the new visual scale, especially those with PMDD or severe PMS.

What it means for you

There is now a simpler, faster way to track premenstrual symptoms that most women prefer. The main limitation is a very small sample of only 23 women, most of whom were Caucasian and English-speaking.

23

women tested

3

questionnaires compared

very high

agreement between all scales

About the study

Original title
The premenstrual tension syndrome rating scales: an updated version
Authors
Steiner M, Peer M, Macdougall M et al.
Journal
Journal of affective disorders
Year
2011
Study design
Survey study
Participants
23
What was tested
Three rating scales for measuring premenstrual symptoms

Topics