---
title: What are the main problems with how PMS is studied and treated?
description: PMS researchers do not agree on which symptoms count or how to diagnose it. Most treatment studies were poorly designed without proper placebo controls, and m
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-a-selective-review-1983/
---

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- What are the main problems with how PMS is studied and treated?

Non-randomised trial, 1983

# What are the main problems with how PMS is studied and treated?

PMS researchers do not agree on which symptoms count or how to diagnose it. Most treatment studies were poorly designed without proper placebo controls, and media attention has created unrealistic hopes for a cure.

 Early or limited evidence

Not specified; review article

## What they did

Review of research and clinical literature examining PMS definition, treatment approaches, and the impact of media coverage.

## What they found

No consensus among researchers on which symptoms count, how many are needed, when they occur, whether psychiatric disorders relate to PMS, or whether PMS is one syndrome or many. Most treatment trials lacked adequate controls for placebo effects. Media popularization of PMS raised collective consciousness but may have created premature hopes for a cure.

## What it means for you

PMS is real and common but not yet well-defined or well-understood scientifically. Be cautious about treatments advertised as miracle cures. The main limit is that this is a 1983 review article, not new data.

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrome: a selective review Authors Abplanalp JM Journal Women & health Year 1983 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested Various (reviewed in literature) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1300/j013v08n02_06](https://doi.org/10.1300/j013v08n02_06)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)

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