Premenstrual Syndrome in Three Generations Responds to Antidepressants

The author identified the clinical picture of 11 patients with premenstrual complaint in a genealogical tree spanning three generations. Seven patients who satisfied criteria for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were treated successfully with amitriptyline. The possible role of antidepressant treatment for PMS is discussed. The possibility is raised of genetic predisposition in some subtypes of PMS, particularly those in which depression is a feature.