Bipolar II Disorder vs. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Letter to the Editor

Sir: Hendrick and Altshuler have helpfully highlighted the need for further research into the relationship between bipolar II disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with a case report of a patient who showed significant mood variability closely linked to her menstrual cycle. Their patient had a family history of lithium-responsive bipolar disorder and had experienced a major depressive episode in the past as well as premenstrual dysphoria and spells of relative well-being in the postmenstrual phase of her cycle.