State-dependent alterations in the perception of life events in menstrual-related mood disorders

During the follicular and late luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, subjects completed a schedule of life events that monitors an individual's perception. The patient group reported significantly more negative life events than the control group. Further, the patients with menstrual-related mood disorder showed significantly more distress associated with the same event when it occurred in the premenstrual phase than when it occurred in the post-menstrual phase. (Abstract amended)