Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which affects 3-8% of women of reproductive 
age, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that may include depressed 
mood, irritability, anxiety and/or physical symptoms. These symptoms occur 
during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, with remission generally 
occurring within 3 days after the onset of menses. Presently, treatment 
guidelines for premenstrual dysphoric disorder focus on lifestyle management and 
psychopharmacologic interventions, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 
being considered the first line of medication intervention. The US Food and Drug 
Administration and Health Canada recently approved paroxetine for the treatment 
of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This article reviews the properties of this 
medication and its use in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.