Randomised trial, 2001
How do serotonin medications help severe premenstrual dysphoria?
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are very effective (60% or higher response rate) for severe premenstrual dysphoria, likely by affecting how the brain controls aggression and irritability rather than through an antidepressant effect.
What they did
This summarizes findings from placebo-controlled trials of multiple serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopam) used to treat severe premenstrual dysphoria.
What they found
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors had a response rate of 60% or higher, while non-serotonergic antidepressants were not effective. These medications work quickly and can be taken intermittently during just the luteal phase. The main symptoms are irritability and anger that appear regularly between ovulation and menstruation and disappear completely within a few days after menstruation begins.
What it means for you
Serotonin-based medications are highly effective for premenstrual dysphoria, likely because they affect how serotonin controls aggression and irritability rather than because they work as antidepressants. The main limit is that this summarizes findings from existing trials rather than reporting a new primary study.
60%
Or higher response rate to serotonin medications
5%
Of fertile women with severe premenstrual dysphoria
5
Types of serotonin medications reviewed
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Dysphoria: An Illustrative Example of How Serotonin Modulates Sex-Steroid—Related Behavior
- Authors
- Elias Eriksson, Björn Andersch, Hoi‐Por Ho et al.
- Journal
- CNS Spectrums
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopam)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1017/s1092852900007902
Topics
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