Premenstrual Syndrome and Marital Dynamics

This study was undertaken -1:0~ the utility of a systems-oriented, family s9fllatic -approach ~ Premenstrual Syndrome. Marital and famity ~amics have been ac~edged as being important to symptom 'selection and exacerbatioh -o~other physical illnesses. currenM:0dels of family somatics were;psed to generate specific hypothes s, which were tested in a sampl~ of 130 women selected for severe p emenstrual distress. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Premenstrual Syndrome is generally regarded as a cluster of symptoms which arise in the last 3 to 10 days of the menstrual cycle and subside shortly after menstrual onset. Women have described changes in their behavioral, emotional and physiological well-being, with symptoms varying in severity from mild discomfort to severe disability. Various studies have reported an increased rate of violent crimes committed by women during the premenstrual phase of their cycle, with similar increases reported in psychiatric emergencies and suicide attempts (Dalton, 1959, 1960, 1964; Janowskyand Gorney, 1969). In an age of liberation, women are demanding information and shared responsibility in managing their own health. In fact, information regarding the etiology and management of premenstrual syndrome is at best incomplete, and often contradictory. Premenstrual Syndrome is not a new phenomenon, but was relatively obscure until this past decade. With the increase in publicity has come a wide range of reactions, including resentment from women who fear the consequences of "raging hormones" held against them to relief from hundreds of women who have suffered in silence, and are now finding the support and validation to seek help. Premenstrual Syndrome, however, has created almost as much controversy within the Professional system of Health Care Providers, as it has among the lay population. Despite the increase in demographic, clinical and laboratory research, there is a wide range of contradictory theories regarding the definition, etiology, and treatment of this complex syndrome. Dispute exists over the classification of core versus peripheral symptoms, and the degree of disability or discomfort necessary to constitute a basis for positive diagnosis. This disparity has resulted in confusion regarding diagnosis, and failure to achieve standardization. It is not surprising that premenstrual syndrome has been approached from both the biological and psychiatric perspectives. The biological perspective has primarily focused on the relation-