---
title: Does cognitive-behavioral therapy help PMS or PMDD? | Niyora
description: There is not enough good evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy works for PMS or PMDD at this time.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-premenstrual-syndrome-and-premenstrual-2009/
---

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- Does cognitive-behavioral therapy help PMS or PMDD?

Systematic review, 2009

# Does cognitive-behavioral therapy help PMS or PMDD?

There is not enough good evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy works for PMS or PMDD at this time.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with PMS or PMDD (from 7 published empirical studies, 3 were RCTs)

## What they did

Searched multiple databases for empirical studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PMS or PMDD. Found 7 published reports: 3 were randomised controlled trials, 4 were case reports or other study types. Calculated effect sizes where possible.

## What they found

The review found limited evidence showing statistically significant CBT effects on PMS or PMDD. Studies used different methods to measure success. Issues identified include the time investment needed for treatment, how long before effects appear, and whether combining CBT with other therapies might be helpful.

## What it means for you

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has not been shown to work well for PMS or PMDD based on current evidence. The authors suggest future research should test mindfulness and acceptance-based CBT approaches and use more rigorous methods to determine if talk therapy helps.

7

Published empirical reports found

3

Randomised controlled trials

## About the study

Original title Cognitive-behavioral therapy for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review Authors Lustyk MK, Gerrish WG, Shaver S et al. Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2009 Study design Systematic review What was tested Cognitive-behavioral therapy Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-009-0052-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-009-0052-y)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Cognitive behavioral therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-cbt/)[Mindfulness and meditation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-mindfulness/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2026

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

Systematic review, 2026

Do digital tools and apps help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Review, 2024

What are the most effective treatments for PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2019

Does online cognitive behavioral therapy help women with PMDD?

Review, 2017

What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

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