Systematic review, 2016
What are the best treatments for PMDD without other mental health conditions?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (especially paroxetine and fluoxetine) and low-dose oral contraceptives work best. Other options like light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and supplements show promise but need more research.
What they did
Systematic review searching PubMed for studies published by April 2015 on PMDD treatment in adult women with no history of other psychiatric conditions. Included randomized controlled trials, open-label trials, case series, and case reports.
What they found
Found 55 studies: 49 studied medications or chemicals, 6 studied non-drug treatments. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (especially paroxetine and fluoxetine) and low-dose oral estroprogestins were most effective. Light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, food supplements, and herbal medicines showed promising effects.
What it means for you
For women with PMDD and no other mental health conditions, SSRIs and birth control are the most proven treatments. Other approaches might help but need more research. Limited to women without comorbid mental health conditions, which is not representative of most PMDD patients.
2–8%
Percentage of women of reproductive age affected by PMDD
55
Number of studies reviewed
49
Studies on medications or chemicals
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Without Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions: A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Options
- Authors
- Sepede G, Sarchione F, Matarazzo I et al.
- Journal
- Clinical neuropharmacology
- Year
- 2016
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- SSRIs, oral contraceptives, light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, supplements, herbal medicines
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/wnf.0000000000000173
Topics
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