Diagnostic ability of the Italian version of the 'Calendar of premenstrual experiences'

Objective: We produced an Italian version of the Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences (COPE). We have reported its ability to assess premestrual syndrome in patients who believe themselves to be sufferers from this syndrome. Methods: Twenty-eight patients previously diagnosed with Menstrual Distress Questionnaire were included in Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) group. Seventeen patients who believed themselves to be PMS sufferers but who did not fulfil the above diagnostic criteria formed the 'unconfirmed PMS' group. Twenty one candidates were screened as potential asymptomatic controls. The COPE was administered daily for 2 consecutive cycles. The individual follicular and luteal scores, as well as the total score were calculated. Results: A total luteal score 35 was enough to distinguish between controls and PMS subjects. A total luteal score 35 was unable to distinguish between PMS and unconfirmed PMS patients and a further criterion was necessary to discriminate between those groups. By using the percentage of luteal increase with respect to follicular value, a cut-off of 80% provided neither false positive or false negative values. Conclusion: Using the above reported criteria the Italian version of COPE makes it possible to correctly identify patients with PMS.