Late Luteal Phase Dysphoric Disorder: Do We Need Another Psychiatric Category?

The prevalence rate of the proposed diagnostic category of DSM-111-R "Late Luteal Phase Dysphoric Disorder" (LLPDD) was assessed in a survey in 2272 Egyptian females in Suez Canal Area. 69.6% of the surveyed females reported sj.mptoms and patterns that qualify them to have "Premenstrual Tension Syndrome" (PMS). However, 703 of those who have the disorder reported that they need treatment for their symptoms. This represents 30.9% of the sample surveyed. These high prevalence rates, the biological necessity of cyclic changes, the predominance of pains and physical symptoms, together with the highest need for treatment in married and infertile females suggest that inclusion of the LLPDD in DSM-IV might not be an ideal choice.