Premenstrual disorder and the adolescent: clinical case report, literature review, and diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Abstract

AbstractObjective:The aim of this paper is to present a case with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and to review the diagnosis from an adolescent medicine approach, discussing why diagnosis and treatment must be distinct for this age group and different from the adult approach.Introduction:Premenstrual disorder is a periodic, recurrent, debilitating condition with either physical and/or psychological symptoms that occur during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.Case:We report the case of a 16-year-old female diagnosed with premenstrual disorder.Discussion:Physical signs, behavioral changes, and mood disturbances that occur before menstruation have long been recognized in women, but how well is the disorder defined for adolescents? Due to the unique characteristics of teens, do the current diagnostic criteria appropriately represent this population?