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.
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/
Topics
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?