Randomised trial, 2003
Are SSRI antidepressants effective for PMDD?
Yes, SSRIs are effective first-line treatments for PMDD. Both continuous dosing and intermittent dosing during the luteal phase lead to rapid improvement in symptoms and functioning.
What they did
A synthesis of current research on PMDD, examining how common it is, how it presents in women, its causes, and how it can be treated.
What they found
PMDD affects an estimated 2 to 9 percent of menstruating women. The most common symptoms are anger or irritability, anxiety or tension, fatigue, mood swings, sadness or depression, and increased conflicts with other people. Well-designed studies over the past decade have established SSRIs as effective treatments using both continuous and intermittent (luteal phase) dosing strategies.
What it means for you
SSRIs are the recommended first-line treatment for PMDD and can bring rapid improvement. Both dosing schedules work, so women can choose what suits them best.
2-9%
Estimated prevalence of PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Recognition and Treatment
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Sondheimer SJ
- Journal
- Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- SSRI antidepressants
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v05n0106
Topics
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