Skip to content

Randomised trial, 1990

Does alprazolam help premenstrual dysphoria?

Yes. Alprazolam was significantly superior to placebo in treating late luteal phase dysphoric disorder based on physicians' ratings and patients' reports.

Moderate study design 30 women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder

What they did

Double-blind, randomized crossover trial. 30 women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder received alprazolam or placebo in random order. Outcomes were measured by physicians' global ratings and patients' daily prospective ratings and retrospective assessments. The study used extensive screening, placebo washout, and had women serve as their own controls.

What they found

Alprazolam was significantly superior to placebo based on physicians' global ratings and patients' prospective daily and retrospective assessments.

What it means for you

Alprazolam may help premenstrual dysphoria. The study's improved design with extensive screening, placebo washout, and prospective ratings may explain why they found a significant drug-placebo difference.

30

Women who completed the study

About the study

Original title
Treatment of premenstrual dysphoria with alprazolam. A controlled study
Authors
Harrison WM, Endicott J, Nee J
Journal
Archives of general psychiatry
Year
1990
Study design
Randomised trial
What was tested
Alprazolam

Topics