History, evolution, and diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

Clinically significant premenstrual problems with mood and behavior have been recognized since ancient times. However, it was not until 1987 that formal criteria for a specific diagnosis were proposed. The history of the development of the DSM-IV criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as the epidemiology and ways in which the condition differs from other mood disorders, is reviewed.