---
title: How effective are antidepressants for treating PMDD? | Niyora
description: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) are very effective for PMDD, with excellent results and minimal side effects. Treating only during th
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-dysphoria-and-the-serotonin-system-pathophysiology-and-treatment-2000/
---

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- How effective are antidepressants for treating PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2000

# How effective are antidepressants for treating PMDD?

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) are very effective for PMDD, with excellent results and minimal side effects. Treating only during the premenstrual phase works nearly as well as daily treatment.

 Strong study design

Women with PMDD (reviewed from multiple studies)

## What they did

Researchers reviewed evidence from multiple studies on PMDD, including what causes it and how it is treated. They looked at research on different types of medication.

## What they found

PMDD affects 3% to 8% of women, while as many as 75% of women experience some PMS symptoms. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have excellent results with minimal side effects. Several preliminary studies also show that intermittent (premenstrual-only) treatment with these drugs is equally effective.

## What it means for you

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most effective treatment for PMDD. Because PMDD itself is intermittent (occurring only premenstrually), being able to treat intermittently rather than daily is a practical advantage.

3% to 8%

Percentage of women with PMDD

75%

Percentage of women with some PMS symptoms

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual dysphoria and the serotonin system: pathophysiology and treatment Authors Steiner M, Pearlstein T Journal The Journal of clinical psychiatry Year 2000 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Serotonin reuptake inhibitors Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11041380/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11041380/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2018

What are the most effective treatments for premenstrual syndrome and PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2000

How should PMDD be diagnosed and treated?

Randomised trial, 2000

How should PMS and PMDD be managed?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Survey study, 2026

What is the true rate of PMDD, and does it worsen mental health conditions?

Guideline, 2006

What is the best treatment for PMDD and severe PMS?

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