TEMPORAL SEQUENCE OF SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN COMPLAINING OF PMS

Abstract

Scores on 5 symptom clusters derived from Moos' Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) were collected over several cycles from women reporting premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Spectral analysis revealed that only for physical symptoms did most women show 28-day peaks whereas approximately half showed such peaks in depression, behavioural, tension and cognitive symptoms. Peaks in physical and tension symptoms were found to precede the peaks in depression symptoms by approximately 1-2 days. It is suggested that spectral analysis may be useful for studying both the reliability and the aetiology of symptoms. © 1988 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.