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Review, 2004

How should doctors diagnose and treat PMS and PMDD?

Doctors can now diagnose these conditions using specific prospective symptom tracking and have several evidence-based treatments. Antidepressants that increase serotonin, especially when taken only during the luteal phase, work best for severe symptoms.

Strong study design Women with PMS and PMDD receiving medical care

What they did

Reviewed research on diagnosis and treatment of PMS and PMDD to provide clinicians with practical guidelines.

What they found

Prospective symptom tracking helps diagnose severe symptoms accurately. Antidepressants are the primary treatment for severe symptoms, with most women responding well to luteal phase-only therapy. Ovulation suppression is reserved for women who don't respond to other treatments.

What it means for you

Women with PMS or PMDD should track symptoms prospectively for accurate diagnosis. Most benefit from antidepressants taken only during the second half of the cycle rather than daily use.

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and beyond: a clinical primer for practitioners
Authors
Johnson SR
Journal
Obstetrics and gynecology
Year
2004
Study design
Review
What was tested
Review of PMS and PMDD treatment strategies

Topics