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Premenstrual dysphoric symptoms amongst Brazilian college students: factor structure and methodological appraisal

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Abstract

Objectives

The present study aims to assess the factor structure of the DSM–IV Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) symptoms and its relationship with depressive symptoms.

Methods

We evaluated retrospectively PMDD symptoms in 513 female college students, through a self–reporting questionnaire based on DSM–IV criteria, in addition to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Principal component analysis on PMDD symptom data was performed to assess its dimensional structure.

Results

In this non–clinical sample, the analysis indicated a higher importance of the dysphoric dimension, but physical symptoms as well as “being out of control” or “overwhelmed” should also be viewed as major symptoms of PMDD. Behavioural symptoms are of secondary importance. The mean BDI score of PMDD group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than non– PMDD group.

Conclusion

The factor structure of the total sample was similar to the symptom structure suggested by DSM–IV diagnostic criteria. Depressive symptoms should be viewed as a confounding variable in PMDD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, Rua Dr.Ovídio Pires de Campos 785, CEP 05403–010, São Paulo SP, Brazil

    Chei-Tung Teng, A. H. G. Vieira Filho, C. Gorenstein, L. H. Andrade & Y.-P. Wang

  2. Ibmec, Rua Maestro Cardim, 1170, 01323001, São Paulo SP, Brazil

    R. Artes

  3. Faculdade de Medicina de Santo Amaro, UNISA, São Paulo, Brazil

    Y.-P. Wang

Authors
  1. Chei-Tung Teng
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  2. A. H. G. Vieira Filho
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  3. R. Artes
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  4. C. Gorenstein
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  5. L. H. Andrade
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  6. Y.-P. Wang
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Correspondence to Chei-Tung Teng.

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Teng, CT., Vieira Filho, A.H.G., Artes, R. et al. Premenstrual dysphoric symptoms amongst Brazilian college students: factor structure and methodological appraisal. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 255, 51–56 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-004-0535-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-004-0535-9

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