CORRELATES OF PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIA IN HELP-SEEKING WOMEN

Comparisons were made between the premenstrual changes reported by non treatment-seekers (NTS) (n = 32) and those of treatment-seekers (TS) ( n = 52). The Premenstrual Assessment Form Luteal Phase and Follicular Phase versions were completed and the Beck Depression Inventory, the A utomatic Thoughts Questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed at both the luteal and follicular phases. Prospective d aily ratings were made for two treatment cycles on the Daily Ratings F orm and TS were screened for a mood-disorder history. Using the common ly cited 30% decrease in dysphoric levels from the pre- to postmenstru al phases as the criterion of prospective confirmation, women with pro spectively confirmed dysphoria (PMD +) were not significantly more sym ptomatic than those without prospective dysphoric confirmation (PMD -) . However, TS were more symptomatic than NTS on measures of depression , anxiety and frequency of negative automatic thoughts but not on mood behaviour and physical changes reflected in the PAF scales. No demogr aphic differences were found between TS and NTS. Results did not suppo rt the issue of requiring 'confirmation' of self-reports within a help -seeking group or the use of the 30% criterion in particular. Findings further suggest that the 95-item PAF may be inadequate in differentia ting TS from others.