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Systematic review, 2019

Do psychosocial interventions reduce premenstrual syndrome severity?

Yes, psychological interventions, especially coping skills training, significantly reduced PMS severity. However, the effect was modest and based on a small number of studies.

Moderate study design 324 women with premenstrual syndrome across 11 studies

What they did

Meta-analysis of 11 psychosocial intervention studies involving 324 women with PMS, searching medical databases through December 2016.

What they found

Psychosocial interventions significantly reduced PMS severity (standardized mean difference -0.29). Coping skills training was most effective (standardized mean difference -0.53). Education programs and social support alone did not show benefits.

What it means for you

Coping skills training may help reduce PMS symptoms. However, evidence is limited to small studies. More large, high-quality trials are needed before firm conclusions.

11

intervention studies

324

women total

-0.53

effect size for coping skills

About the study

Original title
Effect of psychosocial interventions on the severity of premenstrual syndrome: a meta-analysis
Authors
Han J, Cha Y, Kim S
Journal
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
Year
2019
Study design
Systematic review
What was tested
Psychosocial interventions: coping skills training, education, social support
Open access
Yes

Topics