Generalized use of over-the-counter analgesics: relationship to premenstrual symptoms.

This study tested the hypothesis that use of nonprescription analgesics among women scoring high on premenstrual distress may generalize to time periods beyond the premenstrual phase. Fifty three female undergraduates completed Form C of the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and described their typical use of analgesics during the "average week." Results showed that symptoms of premenstrual distress were significantly related to both the frequency of analgesic use and the quantity consumed per occasion. These findings support the generalization hypothesis proposed by Blechman and her colleagues.