The authors review the available evidence regarding the nature, cause,
and treatment of the premenstrual syndromes. They attribute the
contradictory results of various studies and the current theoretical
confusion in the area to the failure of investigators to carefully define
the syndromes, formulate a set of answerable questions, and select a
homogeneous population before initiating their studies. The relationship
between premenstrual syndromes and major psychiatric disorders, as well as
the clinical and theoretical relevance of the menstrual cycle to major
psychiatric disorders, is discussed. The authors offer recommendations to
both investigators and clinicians for more careful observation and
documentation of the relationship between mood disorders and the menstrual
cycle.Abstract Teaser