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

Clarifying the relationships of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to depressive 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 women without the disorder, an assumption that may be premature. This review carefully examines existing literature, an the nature of the relationships between PMDD and major depression and anxiety disorders. A re-evaluation of the literature and the resulting implication for risk factors and etiology, as well as for obstetric and gynecological practice, are provided.