Randomised trial, 1991
Do antidepressants help premenstrual symptoms in women with depression?
Yes. After 12 weeks, at least two-thirds of women taking imipramine or phenelzine had essentially no premenstrual problems, compared to half of those taking placebo.
What they did
This study compared imipramine, phenelzine, and placebo for premenstrual symptoms in women with atypical depression who had already responded to depression treatment. Symptoms were rated using the Premenstrual Assessment Form. The study lasted 12 weeks.
What they found
At least two-thirds of women on active medication showed improvement such that they had essentially no premenstrual problems after treatment. Half of women in the placebo group showed similar improvement.
What it means for you
Antidepressants appear to help premenstrual symptoms in women with depression better than placebo. However, the study does not report the exact sample size or statistical significance values. These results apply to women who have both depression and PMS.
12
weeks study duration
2/3
on medication showed improvement
1/2
on placebo showed improvement
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric symptoms in depressed women
- Authors
- Glick R, Harrison W, Endicott J et al.
- Journal
- Journal of the American Medical Women's Association (1972)
- Year
- 1991
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Imipramine and phenelzine
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1744374/
Topics
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