Is it premenstrual syndrome? Keys to focused diagnosis, therapies for multiple symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is sometimes facetiously blamed when a woman behaves erratically, when in fact, the cyclic symptoms of true PMS do cause significant difficulties in everyday life and relationships. In this article, Drs Frye and Silverman outline the criteria for diagnosing PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and describe medications, nutritional supplements, and behavior modifications that have proved effective for relief of PMS symptoms.