Via practica 6/2006
DYSPHORIC DISORDER: RECOGNITION AN D THREATMENT
As many as 75 % women with regular menstrual cycles experience some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to epidemiologic surveys. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is much less common; it affects only 2 % to 10 % of women in this group. The etiology of PMDD is largely unknown, but the current consensus is that normal ovarian function is the cyclical trigger for PMDD-related biochemical events within the central nervous system and other target organs. The serotonergic system is in a close reciprocal relation with the gonadal hormones and has been identified as the most plausible target for interventions.
Keywords: menstrual cycle, PMDD, serotonergic system.
