Randomised trial, 1991
Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work better than medication or relaxation for PMS?
Yes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy showed significant improvement after the first month that continued throughout and persisted at 3-month follow-up. Medication and relaxation showed quick improvement that faded after 2 months.
What they did
A study comparing three approaches: cognitive-behavioral therapy (a psychological treatment focused on thoughts and behaviors), hormone medication, and relaxation exercises (control group). Women's symptoms were measured over 2 months with follow-up at 3 months.
What they found
Hormone medication and relaxation showed rapid initial symptom improvement that decreased after 2 months. Cognitive-behavioral therapy showed significant benefits after the first treatment month that continued throughout and were maintained at the 3-month follow-up.
What it means for you
Cognitive-behavioral therapy may provide longer-lasting relief than medication or relaxation for PMS. Main limits are that sample sizes were not reported and there was high dropout in the relaxation control group.
10%
of women severely affected by severe PMS
2
months when medication and relaxation benefits faded
3
months of follow-up for CBT benefits
About the study
- Original title
- A comparison of hormone therapy, coping skills training, and relaxation for the relief of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Morse CA, Dennerstein L, Farrell E et al.
- Journal
- Journal of behavioral medicine
- Year
- 1991
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/bf00845105
Topics
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