Randomised trial, 1996
Does sertraline help PMDD symptoms?
Yes. In this study, 68% of women taking sertraline had much or very much improvement, compared to 40% taking placebo. This strongly suggests sertraline works for severe premenstrual symptoms.
What they did
Twelve medical centers tested sertraline (a serotonin-based medication) in 162 women with PMDD. Women either received sertraline or placebo, and researchers measured their response using careful diagnostic criteria.
What they found
68% of the sertraline group showed positive response (very much improved or much improved) compared to 40% of the placebo group (p < .01).
What it means for you
This is strong evidence that sertraline works for PMDD, but this was a preliminary analysis so more follow-up is needed.
68%
improved on sertraline
40%
improved on placebo
162
women studied
About the study
- Original title
- Sertraline in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Yonkers KA, Halbreich U, Freeman E et al.
- Journal
- Psychopharmacology bulletin
- Year
- 1996
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 162
- What was tested
- Sertraline vs placebo
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8927673/
Topics
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