Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and risk for major depressive disorder: A preliminary study

Investigators examined whether premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) poses a risk for major depressive disorder (MDD). In an initial study, women rat ed premenstrual symptoms and functional impairment daily for two menstrual cycles. A semistructured diagnostic interview was given to obtain psychiatr ic histories and differentiate PMDD from premenstrual exacerbations of othe r disorders. Participants in this pilot study were eight women with PMDD an d a random subgroup without PMDD (n = 9) initially, Another semistructured interview was given to diagnose psychiatric disorders occurring during a tw o-year follow-up interval. In all, seven of the eight women with PMDD devel oped MDD within two years.