Interview study, 2026
Does acceptance and commitment therapy help people with anxiety and PMDD?
One woman showed meaningful improvement in anxiety and psychological flexibility after 37 therapy sessions, and no longer met criteria for PMDD, though some period-related symptoms remained. This is just one person's experience.
What they did
Case study of one 26-year-old woman who received 37 sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy at a community clinic. The therapist tracked progress using standardized measures and the woman's own reports.
What they found
The woman improved in anxiety, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and valued living. Though some of her premenstrual symptoms persisted, she no longer met criteria for PMDD at the end of treatment.
What it means for you
Acceptance and commitment therapy may help people with both anxiety and mood changes related to their cycle. This is one case study, so we cannot be sure the therapy would work for other people. More research with larger groups is needed.
37
therapy sessions
26
participant's age
About the study
- Original title
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Transdiagnostic Approach
- Authors
- Leah R. Howard, Mitch Earleywine, Te’Airra DeCount et al.
- Journal
- Clinical Case Studies
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (37 sessions)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/15346501261421541
Topics
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