PMDD Proposed as New Category in DSM-5

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is being proposed for inclusion as a new category in DSM-5, rather than remaining as a set of criteria in the appendix of DSM. Inclusion of PMDD as a distinct category will provide greater legitimacy for the disorder and encourage the growth of evidence-based research, ultimately leading to new treatments, said Neill Epperson, M.D., and other members of the sub-work group that has developed the proposed criteria. Their report on this topic was published online March 28 in AJP in Advance.

In an interview with Psychiatric News, Epperson said an “explosion” of research in the last 20 years has validated the existence of severe and distinct symptoms—marked most prominently by emotional lability, irritability, and anger—during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Epperson said probably only 2-5 percent of women would qualify for the diagnosis.

She pointed out that actual changes to the criteria that are currently in DSM-IV are modest. More important has been a reordering of symptoms, giving priority to the symptoms of emotional lability, irritability, and anger rather than depressed mood. For the article by Epperson and colleagues, click here. For additional coverage, see Psychiatric News here.

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