A definition of premenstrual complaints in adolescents (a preliminary study -: Istanbul/Turkey)

This descriptive - analytical study was carried out during the year 2000 in order to formulate a classification system to determine the adolescents at high risk for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and who need a detailed evaluation. Subjects were divided two groups according to DSM- IV criteria for premenstrual disforic disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Assessment Form (PAF) scoring system. The most frequent symptoms in Group I were "marked anxiety or feelings of being on-edge" and "persistent anger and irritability or increased interpersonal conflicts" and in Group II were "lethargy, easy fatigability or marked lack of energy". Visits to the doctor for PMS symptoms and interruption in school attendance were more frequent in Group I which shows more severe symptoms. In addition, most symptoms were observed in a higher proportion in Group I than Group II. This difference was statistically significant. By envisaging some restrictions prior to prospective studies in developing countries, broad field studies that differentiate the risk groups and include all classes with all kinds of sociodemographic features should be performed to develop retrospective criteria for PMS with different complaints in various cultural structures.