Randomised trial, 2013
Does psychological education reduce PMS symptoms in teenagers?
Yes. Psychological education significantly reduced overall PMS severity and reduced anxiety and physical symptoms. Effects on depression were minimal, and the intervention did not improve difficulty in relationships.
What they did
Randomized controlled trial with 123 adolescent girls aged 17-19 with PMS. Girls were randomly assigned to receive a psycho-educational intervention (62 girls) or standard care as control (61 girls). Symptoms were measured using standardized questionnaires.
What they found
The intervention group had a statistically significant decrease in total PMS severity compared to control (P < 0.001). Somatization, anxiety, and hostility also significantly improved (P < 0.05). Depression marginally decreased in the intervention group (P < 0.1). Interpersonal sensitivity did not change significantly.
What it means for you
Learning about PMS through education helps reduce symptom severity and anxiety in teenage girls. The intervention was less effective for depression and difficulty in relationships. The study was well-designed but involved only teenagers, so results may not apply to adult women.
123
adolescent girls studied
62
received psycho-education
P < 0.001
significance for PMS severity reduction
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of cognitive behavioural psycho-education on premenstrual syndrome and related symptoms
- Authors
- Taghizadeh Z, Shirmohammadi M, Feizi A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 62
- What was tested
- Psycho-educational intervention about PMS symptoms and coping
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2012.01965.x
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2010
How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2017
How common is PMS in adolescents with psychiatric problems and does it affect their quality of life?
Survey study, 2001
How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions?
Cohort study, 2022
What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated?
Randomised trial, 2017
Can couples therapy help with severe PMS or PMDD more than individual therapy alone?