ABSTRACT
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been viewed as a complex of symptoms characterized by psychologic changes that include irritability, aggressiveness, tension, anxiety, and depression, and by somatic changes, such as feeling bloated, weight increase, edema, breast tenderness, and headaches, all attributed to fluid retention. To assess these potentially cyclical changes in psychologic status, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle to 20 women with PMS and 20 women without PMS. Participants were 18 to 49 years old with regular menses for six or more prior cycles. The MMPI has become the most widely used and thoroughly researched of the objective personality assessment instruments available, and its application to patients with PMS is increasing. MMPI profiles from all members of the control group were well within normal limits during both follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.
