---
title: Can cognitive behavioral therapy treat PMS without medication?
description: Yes, according to this review. All 32 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and other non-medication approaches significantly reduced or completely
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/short-report-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-a-primary-mode-for-premenstrual-2021/
---

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- Can cognitive behavioral therapy treat PMS without medication?

Systematic review, 2021

# Can cognitive behavioral therapy treat PMS without medication?

Yes, according to this review. All 32 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and other non-medication approaches significantly reduced or completely stopped PMS symptoms with no side effects reported.

 Strong study design

Women with premenstrual syndrome or PMDD (from reviewed studies)

## What they did

A systematic review searched for published studies testing cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and other non-medication approaches for PMS and PMDD. The review analyzed all studies published up to 2021 that examined these treatments.

## What they found

All 32 identified studies found a significant reduction in PMS to complete remission with non-medication interventions. No side effects were reported. Benefits lasted over time. Self-help psychoeducational programs worked well for most women with mild to moderate PMS. More severe PMS typically required one-to-one cognitive behavioral therapy sessions.

## What it means for you

Non-medication approaches, especially cognitive behavioral therapy and self-help programs, are effective treatments for PMS and should be considered first-line options. The main limitations are that studies varied in quality and more research is needed on personalized self-help programs.

32

Studies reviewed finding improvement

About 5%

Women needing professional help for PMS

None

Side effects reported

## About the study

Original title Short report: cognitive behavioral therapy - a primary mode for premenstrual syndrome management: systematic literature review Authors Kancheva Landolt N, Ivanov K Journal Psychology, health & medicine Year 2021 Study design Systematic review What was tested Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, lifestyle modifications Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1810718](https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1810718)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)

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## Related studies

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Systematic review, 2012

How effective are cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Review, 2011

What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they?

Review, 2001

What are PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated?

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