Systematic review, 2012
How effective are cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants for PMS and PMDD?
Both cognitive-behavioral therapy and serotonergic antidepressants showed small to medium effects, but researchers concluded efficacy was not satisfactory and recommend combining both approaches for better results.
What they did
Meta-analysis of controlled trials comparing cognitive-behavioral therapy and serotonergic antidepressants for PMS or PMDD. Studies were selected according to pre-defined criteria, data extracted using standardized coding, and effect sizes calculated using random effects model.
What they found
22 studies included. Cognitive-behavioral interventions showed small to medium effect sizes (d+ ranging 0.24 to 0.70 at post-assessment, 0.46 to 0.74 at follow-up). Serotonergic antidepressants showed small to medium effect sizes (d+ ranging 0.29 to 0.58 at post-assessment). No evidence of publication bias.
What it means for you
While both treatments showed some benefit, the effects are modest. The researchers suggest neither treatment alone may be sufficient and propose that combining cognitive-behavioral therapy with serotonergic antidepressants might be more effective.
22
Controlled trials included
0.24-0.70
Cognitive-behavioral therapy effect size
0.29-0.58
Antidepressants effect size
About the study
- Original title
- Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological interventions for premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a meta-analysis
- Authors
- Kleinstäuber M, Witthöft M, Hiller W
- Journal
- Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or serotonergic antidepressants
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s10880-012-9299-y
Topics
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