Evaluation and management of premenstrual syndrome in clinical psychiatric practice

Premenstrual syndrome, a long-recognized entity, has been the subject of increased interest in recent years. Many women, perhaps a majority, experience some premenstrual symptoms; a minority have severe symptoms. The authors explore possible links to psychiatric disorders, outline general evaluation and management approaches, and discuss specific implications for the treatment of psychiatric patients who have a menstrually related component to their symptoms. It is hoped that a continuing understanding of this complex area may further our conceptualization and treatment of both premenstrual symptoms and psychiatric disorders.