A biopsychosocial approach to premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Though epidemiological data is difficult to collect, existing evidence indicates that there is a small but significant population of women in whom premenstrual symptoms, and particularly affective symptoms, severely impair functioning. Although PMDD is predominantly regarded as a biologically based illness, there is strong evidence that variables such as life stress, history of sexual abuse, and cultural socialization are important determinants …