Psychobiology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is the new terminology used in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). It more rigorously defines criteria for what historically has been referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Based on studies of its phenomenology and course, PMDD was categorized in DSM-IV as a depressive mood disorder. Findings support low serotonin and melatonin metabolism in PMDD compared with healthy control subjects, and an increasing number of rigorous studies report a reduction of symptoms with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).