The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde: how PMS became a cultural phenomenon and a psychiatric disorder.

In this article we trace the historical, cultural, political, and economic forces that led to the social construction of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The popularity of these diagnostic labels among medical professionals, the general public, and women themselves is considered and explored, as is the damage that the labels can do to women in general, as well as those who receive a diagnosis. Suggestions are provided for psychotherapists who might work with women who present with premenstrual symptoms.

Mother-blaming in major clinical journals.

The incidence of mother-blaming in major clinical journals was investigated for the years 1970, 1976, and 1982 to determine whether reductions have resulted from the efforts of the women's movement. Very few changes were found across the target years, and mother-blaming was only slightly affected by type of journal and by sex of author.

Erikson's concept of inner space: a data-based reevaluation.

An analytical critique is presented of Erikson's theory that physical differences between the sexes produce differences in spatial organization, and of the experiment cited in support of that theory. Results of a new experiment are reported, which run counter to the original findings and suggest that the theory of "inner space" be reevaluated.