Some correlates of prospectively defined premenstrual syndrome

Correlates of prospectively defined premenstrual syndrome were investigated in 50 women who visited a premenstrual syndrome clinic. To assess premenstrual symptom change relative to daily change, the author used effect size, the difference in mood ratings between the post- and premenstrual phases divided by the standard deviation of the entire cycle. Only 12 women had an effect size greater than or equal to 1.0 in two cycles. The probability of having premenstrual syndrome was positively related to working outside the home and negatively related to age. The results underscore the need to use prospective diagnostic criteria in research on premenstrual syndrome.