Review, 1997
What causes PMDD and how is it treated?
PMDD results from complex brain changes triggered by ovulation and involving the serotonin system. It can be successfully treated with SSRIs, low-dose clomipramine, or GnRH agonists combined with estrogen and progestin supplementation.
What they did
A narrative review of PMS and PMDD research, focusing on diagnostic criteria and current treatment approaches.
What they found
Clear diagnostic criteria for PMS and PMDD were established and refined with DSM-IV criteria. PMDD involves severe psychological symptoms. While the exact cause is still unknown, researchers believe PMDD results from complex events mediated partly by the serotonin system and triggered by ovulation. Women with PMDD can be treated successfully with low-dose clomipramine, SSRIs, or GnRH agonists with estrogen and progestin add back.
What it means for you
PMDD and PMS are distinct conditions requiring different treatment approaches. The exact biological cause remains unknown, and this is a narrative review rather than new research, so the mechanism still needs further investigation.
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndromes
- Authors
- Korzekwa MI, Steiner M
- Journal
- Clinical obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Conservative treatment, clomipramine, SSRIs, GnRH agonists, estrogen and progestin supplementation
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00003081-199709000-00017
Topics
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