---
title: Does a group symptom management program reduce severe PMS? | Niyora
description: Yes, the program reduced PMS severity by 75% and depression and general distress by 30 to 54 percent. Benefits lasted for at least 18 months. This improvement
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effectiveness-of-professional-peer-group-treatment-symptom-management-for-women-1999/
---

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- Does a group symptom management program reduce severe PMS?

Randomised trial, 1999

# Does a group symptom management program reduce severe PMS?

Yes, the program reduced PMS severity by 75% and depression and general distress by 30 to 54 percent. Benefits lasted for at least 18 months. This improvement matches or exceeds the benefits of antidepressant medications.

 Moderate study design

91 women with severe PMS

## What they did

Randomized trial in 91 women with severe PMS. 40 received the PMS Symptom Management Program delivered in a group combining peer support and professional guidance. The program taught self-monitoring, personal choice, self-regulation, and self or environmental modification. 51 women waited for treatment. Outcomes were measured before treatment and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after.

## What they found

The program reduced PMS severity by 75%, premenstrual depression and general distress by 30 to 54 percent, and increased well-being and self-esteem. Most improvement occurred in the first 3 months. Improvement was maintained or enhanced at 18 months. These results compare favorably with antidepressant drug treatment studies reporting 40 to 52 percent reduction in PMS severity.

## What it means for you

A structured group program of self-monitoring and behavior change can be as effective as or more effective than antidepressants for severe PMS, and benefits last long-term. The study is reasonably large with long follow-up. Results are from one research program.

91

women with severe PMS

75%

reduction in PMS severity

18

months of follow-up

## About the study

Original title Effectiveness of professional--peer group treatment: symptom management for women with PMS Authors Taylor D Journal Research in nursing & health Year 1999 Study design Randomised trial Participants 51 What was tested PMS Symptom Management Program delivered in groups with peer support and professional guidance Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1098-240x(199912)22:6 3.0.co;2-2](https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1098-240x(199912)22:6 3.0.co;2-2)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)

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