Comparative analysis of three PMS assessment instruments--the identification of premenstrual syndrome with core symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a commonly encountered complaint among women. This study compared the PMS Diary (PMSD), which measures core menstrual symptoms (negative affect, water retention, and pain symptoms), with two commonly used self-rating forms, the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Daily Rating Form (DRF). Thirty-seven premenopausal women with documented PMS completed the forms. A multitrait-multimethod analysis was performed to determine overall agreement and reliability. The three instruments and their component scale scores had strong internal consistency. Correlations between overall scores and between scales measuring similar constructs were strong. Correlations were 0.77 between PMSD and MDQ; 0.67 between PMSD and DRF; and 0.81 between MDQ and DRF. The PMSD performs as effectively as more extensive questionnaires in measuring symptoms in women with PMS. The PMS Diary is a concise yet reliable and valid instrument that can be easily administered in ambulatory care and longitudinal research.