Review, 2015
What treatments work best for PMDD and PMS?
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for PMDD. Only calcium supplement has strong evidence among supplements, though other psychiatric medications and hormonal treatments also work.
What they did
Reviewed treatment regimens for PMS and PMDD organized into categories: psychiatric medications, hormone-based treatments, supplements, herbal remedies, and non-drug approaches.
What they found
SSRIs were established as first-line treatment. Other psychiatric medications (venlafaxine, duloxetine, alprazolam, buspirone) were found useful. Various hormone-based treatments showed efficacy but have side effects. Only calcium supplementation demonstrated consistent benefit among supplements and herbal treatments.
What it means for you
Women should usually start with SSRIs for PMDD treatment. If SSRIs don't work, several other medication options exist. Most supplements and herbs lack strong evidence except calcium. More research is needed to compare different dosing schedules.
About the study
- Original title
- A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Options for Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Authors
- Maharaj S, Trevino K
- Journal
- Journal of psychiatric practice
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Multiple treatment categories reviewed: psychiatric, anovulatory, supplements, herbal, nonpharmacological
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/pra.0000000000000099
Topics
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