Diagnosing premenstrual tension syndrome.

The presence of a premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) should be considered during the clinical assessment of any women of childbearing age with intermittent or fluctuating psychological symptoms. Appropriate identification of this disorder depends on knowledge of its specific diagnostic features, most particularly its time-limited course. The clinician must also be aware that the syndrome can coexist with, exacerbate, or be exacerbated by other psychological distress or illness. Through the presentation of four case histories, the authors discuss the diagnostic complexities of PMTS and the treatment implications of a diagnosis of PMTS.