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Review, 2018

What treatments work for PMDD and severe premenstrual symptoms?

This review examines evidence for many treatments including antidepressants, hormonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies for PMDD. The review notes that many women with severe symptoms do not meet full PMDD criteria but still benefit from treatment.

Moderate study design Research review on women with PMDD and severe premenstrual symptoms

What they did

A literature review that examined research on the diagnosis and treatment of PMDD, the most severe form of premenstrual symptoms. The review discusses diagnostic criteria established in the DSM-V in 2013 and evaluates evidence for various treatment approaches.

What they found

Many patients with severe premenstrual symptoms do not meet the full criteria for PMDD diagnosis. The review identified treatments with supporting evidence including serotonergic therapy (antidepressants), hormonal treatments (such as birth control), lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.

What it means for you

Women with severe premenstrual symptoms have multiple treatment options supported by research, even if they do not meet the PMDD diagnosis. The main limitation is that this is a review summarizing other studies rather than new research, and specific effectiveness numbers are not provided.

2013

year DSM-V diagnostic criteria were established

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome: Evidence-based Evaluation and Treatment
Authors
Appleton SM
Journal
Clinical obstetrics and gynecology
Year
2018
Study design
Review
What was tested
Serotonergic therapy, hormonal treatment, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies (reviewed)

Topics