Relationships of premenstrual dysphoric disorder to major depression and anxiety disorders: a re-examination

Clarifying the relationships of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to d epressive and anxiety disorders may contribute to the understanding of risk factors and etiologies associated with the disorders. A current belief is that women with PMDD have a higher percentage of past psychiatric than wome n without the disorder, an assumption that may be premature. This review ca refully examines existing literature, an the nature of the relationships be tween PMDD and major depression and anxiety disorders. A re-evaluation of t he literature and the resulting implication for risk factors and etiology, as well as for obstetric and gynecological practice, are provided.