The authors determined the prevalence of late luteal phase dysphoric
disorder in 217 university women aged 17-29 years. Unaware of the focus on
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the participants rated DSM-III-R symptoms of
late luteal phase dysphoric disorder over 90 days. Using a 30% or greater
premenstrual change as an index of luteal variation, the authors found that
10 women (4.6%) met the symptom criteria during two menstrual cycles.
Compared to 25 young women seeking treatment for PMS who met the same
diagnostic criteria, the 10 women from the university sample reported
significantly less fatigue and impaired concentration and somewhat less
severe depression and overall symptoms.Abstract Teaser