Episodic memory as vulnerability marker: An empirical study on the prognosis of premenstrual dysphoria

An economic and reliable detection of persons at risk for dysphoria is impo rtant for the provision of preventive measures. "Specificity of autobiograp hical memories" (episodic memory) is a vulnerability marker that allowed to successfully predict premenstrual mood changes in a prospectively designed study. The differential validity of this result for women who experienced at least one episode of depression in their biography was tested by inclusi on of a control group.