Study, 1990

Can family therapy help PMS?

A single case showed that when a nurse used family therapy techniques with a couple, it changed how they interacted and helped with PMS symptoms.

Early or limited evidence One couple with PMS (case example)

What they did

A clinical nurse specialist worked with one couple where the woman had PMS. The nurse used family therapy techniques and specific interview questions to help change how the couple interacted with each other.

What they found

Using techniques such as positive reframing and having partners share symptoms, the nurse changed the couple's interaction patterns and the symptoms improved.

What it means for you

This is one couple's experience, not a research study testing whether this approach works broadly. It suggests that thinking about PMS within the relationship context may be helpful, but more research would be needed to know if this works for other couples.

About the study

Original title: A family systems nursing approach to premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Watson WL, Nanchoff-Glatt M
Journal: Clinical nurse specialist CNS
Year: 1990
Study design: Study
What was tested: Family systems nursing therapy
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1097/00002800-199000410-00002

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Work and productivity Relationships and partners

Cohort study, 2025

Is there a link between premenstrual disorders and autoimmune disease?

Systematic review, 2026

What types of talking therapy have been studied for PMS and PMDD?

Study, 2026

What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?

Survey study, 2026

Is academic stress linked to PMS severity in university students?

Study, 2026

What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?