Premenstrual syndrome research: using the NIMH guidelines.

The 1983 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) guidelines for a premenstrual syndrome (PMS) diagnosis were applied to Daily Rating Form (DRF) data in a prospective research study. The use of two sets of criteria, each consistent with the NIMH guidelines, resulted in prevalence rates of 44% and 17%. The authors discuss other problems in defining a "syndrome": symptom patterns and the relationship between PMS and the presence of a psychiatric disorder.