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Randomised trial, 2019

Does schema therapy help mental health and quality of life in women with PMDD?

Yes, schema therapy training improved mental health and quality of life in women with PMDD. Improvements appeared in depression, anxiety, and social function, and these gains persisted at follow-up.

Moderate study design 36 women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

What they did

This quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design included 36 women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women were assigned to receive either 10 schema therapy training sessions or standard care. Mental health and quality of life were measured before treatment, after treatment, and at follow-up.

What they found

There were significant differences between the two groups in mental health scores, particularly in depression, anxiety, and social function. Quality of life test scores showed significant improvements in mental health and physical health components. These improvements were maintained at follow-up.

What it means for you

Schema therapy appears to help women with PMDD improve mental health and overall quality of life. This was a small study in one country (Iran) and the study design was quasi-experimental rather than fully randomized. A larger, more rigorous study would strengthen the evidence.

36

Women with PMDD studied

10

Schema therapy training sessions

Sustained

Improvements at follow-up

About the study

Original title
The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy Techniques in Mental Health and Quality of Life of Women With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Authors
Sara Mohtadijafari, Hassan Ashayeri, Parinaz Banisi
Journal
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Year
2019
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
36
What was tested
10 schema therapy training sessions
Open access
Yes

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