Randomised trial, 1996

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and what treatments work for it?

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual mood disturbance, separate from milder PMS, and this review reports that SSRIs and treatments that stop ovulation (hormonal or surgical) have been shown effective in placebo-controlled trials.

Moderate study design General discussion of women with PMDD, based on existing research literature rather than a specific study sample.

What they did

This is a review article, not a new study. It summarizes research on how PMDD is defined and diagnosed, and what treatments other studies have tested, drawing on DSM-IV criteria and results from randomized placebo-controlled trials.

What they found

PMDD involves irritability, tension, dysphoria and mood swings severe enough to seriously disrupt life, distinct from the milder physical and mood symptoms of PMS. Diagnosis is confirmed using DSM-IV criteria along with daily symptom charting for at least two cycles. Several randomized placebo-controlled trials found that SSRIs, and medical or surgical oophorectomy (stopping the ovaries working), are effective treatments for PMDD.

What it means for you

Effective PMDD treatment seems to work either by removing the hormonal trigger (stopping ovulation) or by correcting sensitivity in the serotonin system. As a review rather than a new trial, it reflects the state of evidence at the time (1996) rather than fresh data.

2 cycles

Minimum cycles of symptom charting for diagnosis

About the study

Original title: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. An update
Authors: Steiner M
Journal: General hospital psychiatry
Year: 1996
Study design: Randomised trial
What was tested: Review of lifestyle, SSRI, and hormonal/surgical treatments that stop ovulation.
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1016/0163-8343(96)00044-8

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Low mood and depression SSRIs and antidepressants GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression Surgical menopause Major depressive disorder

Review, 2004

How should doctors diagnose and treat PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Case report, 2023

Can stopping ovulation help severe PMDD when other treatments do not work?

Review, 2018

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

Survey study, 2011

Is premenstrual syndrome related to major depression?