History, Evolution, and Diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Clinically significant premenstrual problems with mood and behavior have been recognized since ancient times. However, it was not until 1987 that formal criteria for a specific diagnosis were proposed. The history of the development of the DSM-IV criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as the epidemiology and ways in which the condition differs from other mood disorders, is reviewed.