Mood, neuropsychological function and cognitions in premenstrual dysphoricdisorder

Background. Neuropsychological function and cognitive correlates of depress ion have not previously been examined in a rigorously defined population of patients suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Method. Mood, neuropsychological function and cognition were measured in 10 PMDD patients and 10 age-matched controls in both phases of the menstrual cycle in a random order, counterbalanced design. Results. The BDI was significantly elevated in the luteal phase of PMDD pat ients only while other cognitive measures showed no significant differences . Working memory was impaired in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle wi th no significant differences between PMDD and control subjects. Conclusion. Despite the small sample size, these results show that the BDI is sensitive to the mood fluctuations of PMDD patients. An impairment in wo rking memory was also found although this is a general menstrual cycle effe ct.