Assessing Premenstrual Syndrome Using the Premenstrual Experience Assessment

Abstract

A comprehensive assessment device was developed and validated on 878 women. The inventory seems useful both in research and clinical practice. The instrument solicits information on medical, gynecological and psychological conditions, life-event stressors, sociocultural influences and premenstrual symptomatology. Responses generated a number of significant findings. One of seven women experienced severe premenstrual discomfort, one out of two women described themselves as having mild premenstrual discomfort, and severity of symptoms is a matter of degree rather than type, and women on oral contraceptives differed from nonusers with regard to reporting less interference premenstrually with sexual behavior and feelings and less difficulty with eating behavior and water retention.