Premenstrual syndrome in adolescents: diagnosis and treatment

It is estimated that 60-80% of menstruating women experience some degree of premenstrual symptomatology; however the diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is assigned, using defined criteria, to those women whose lives are significantly affected by moderate to severe symptoms. Though these diagnoses are not frequently made in the adolescent group, the literature suggests that a similar proportion of teens would also meet criteria for PMS/PMDD. In adolescents, treatment should begin with education and lifestyle changes; however, many of the treatments used commonly in adults can also be employed safely in severe adolescent cases.