An association between premenstrual dysphoric changes and depressive disorders is demonstrated in 170 women. Each woman underwent an evaluation for current and life-time diagnosis using the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC). Premenstrual dysphoric changes were evaluated with the Premenstrual Assessment Form (PAF). Criteria for PAF Full Depressive Syndrome were met by 57% of women with a life-time diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Only 14% of the Never Mentally Ill women met these PAF criteria. Eighty-four percent of those who had PAF Full Depressive Syndrome also had RDC Major Depressive Disorder while only 9% were Never Mentally Ill.