Relationship of dysphoric premenstrual changes to depressive disorders.

An association between premenstrual dysphoric changes and depressive disorders is demonstrated in 170 women. Each woman underwent an evaluation for current and life-time diagnosis using the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC). Premenstrual dysphoric changes were evaluated with the Premenstrual Assessment Form (PAF). Criteria for PAF Full Depressive Syndrome were met by 57% of women with a life-time diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Only 14% of the Never Mentally Ill women met these PAF criteria. Eighty-four percent of those who had PAF Full Depressive Syndrome also had RDC Major Depressive Disorder while only 9% were Never Mentally Ill.