Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a psychoneuroendocrine disorder where neurosteroids are likely to play a major role in the pathophysiology and surfacing of symptoms. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in gonadal hormones, psychiatric vulnerability traits, and psychosocial factors act in concert to provoke symptoms in affected women, and the purpose of this chapter is to highlight the roles of the GABA system and neurosteroids for the syndrome.