Survey study, 2025
How are PMS and PMDD diagnosed and treated?
PMS and PMDD are diagnosed by tracking symptoms for at least two cycles and noting if they occur in the luteal phase. SSRIs are first-line treatment. Cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, acupuncture, and the herb Vitex agnus castus may also help.
What they did
This clinical review article addresses common questions about how PMS and PMDD are diagnosed and treated in clinical practice.
What they found
PMS is diagnosed clinically with symptoms in the luteal phase that resolve during or after menstruation. PMDD diagnosis requires symptoms that substantially interfere with work, school, social activities, or relationships. Symptom tracking for at least two cycles helps identify the cyclic pattern. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line treatment with rapid improvement. Cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, acupuncture or acupressure, and Vitex agnus castus may help.
What it means for you
Both PMS and PMDD can be diagnosed without blood tests, using only symptom tracking. Multiple treatment options exist. This is a clinical review summarizing evidence-based practice rather than new research findings, so it reflects current medical guidance.
≥2
cycles of symptom tracking for diagnosis
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Common Questions and Answers
- Authors
- Biggs WS, Romeu JM, Gaudard T
- Journal
- American family physician
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- SSRIs, cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, acupuncture or acupressure, Vitex agnus castus
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40238977/
Topics
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