Menstrual fluctuation in the symptoms of panic anxiety.

Ten women with DSM-III-defined panic attacks (five with and five without agoraphobia) had symptom severity rated daily, weekly, and retrospectively through one full menstrual cycle. Substantial fluctuations in retrospective ratings of severity were observed, with the premenstrual week being rated as most severe. Daily and weekly ratings showed much smaller fluctuations in the predicted direction. Possible reasons for this outcome are considered.