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Randomised trial, 1994

Does alprazolam help women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?

Yes, but only for women whose symptoms happen only in the luteal phase. It reduced tension, irritability, and anxiety in that group but not in women who also had anxiety or depression at other times of the month.

Moderate study design Women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder, in two groups with different symptom patterns

What they did

Women took alprazolam and placebo for 3 months each in a crossover design. The study separated women into two groups: those with only LLPDD, and those with LLPDD plus anxiety or depression in other phases of the cycle.

What they found

In the first group, alprazolam significantly reduced tension, irritability, anxiety, and feelings of being out of control compared to placebo. Few side effects were reported. In the second group, alprazolam and placebo showed no difference.

What it means for you

Alprazolam helps only women with pure LLPDD, not those with ongoing mood symptoms. Side effects were dose-related.

0.25 mg

dose, three times daily

3 months

duration of each treatment phase

4

symptom types reduced

About the study

Original title
Alprazolam in the treatment of two subsamples of patients with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder: a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors
Berger CP, Presser B
Journal
Obstetrics and gynecology
Year
1994
Study design
Randomised trial
What was tested
Alprazolam 0.25 mg three times daily

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