Emotional changes in the menstrual cycle--the premenstrual syndrome
Schwarzer, R.; van der Ploeg, H.M.
Psychotherapie Psychosomatik Medizinische Psychologie 37(7): 237-243
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0937-2032 PMID: 3628691 Document Number: 289807
The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is defined as a somatic and psychological change during the menstrual cycle with a maximum distress period within the last four days. A longitudinal strategy based on the Medical Distress Questionnaire is suggested for the assessment of the construct. In a sample of 844 Dutch women with general menstrual complaints, this method results in 21% severe and 17% mild PMS cases. State measures of anxiety, anger and depression at four points in time support construct validation, because statistical interaction between female groups and points in time hve been demonstrated: PMS cases experienced dramatic changes in the three state measures during their cycle. Further insight into the PMS construct was gained by analyzing the effects of neuroticism on PMS and on emotional changes.