A biopsychosocial approach to premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Though epidemiological data is difficult to collect, existing evidence indicates that there is a small but significant population of women in whom premenstrual symptoms, and particularly affective symptoms, severely impair functioning. Although PMDD is predominantly regarded as a biologically based illness, there is strong evidence that variables such as life stress, history of sexual abuse, and cultural socialization are important determinants of premenstrual symptoms. In diagnosing and treating PMDD patients, attention to biological and sociocultural variables is recommended.