Randomised trial, 1999

Is sertraline more effective than other antidepressants for severe PMS or PMDD?

Yes. Sertraline was significantly more effective than both placebo and desipramine at reducing severe PMS and PMDD symptoms, with 65% of women improving by more than 50%.

Strong study design 189 women with severe premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder

What they did

189 women with severe PMS or PMDD were randomly assigned to take sertraline, desipramine, or placebo for 3 months after a 3-month screening period. Doses ranged from 50 to 150 mg daily. Symptoms were measured using multiple scales.

What they found

Sertraline was much more effective than placebo or desipramine. In the sertraline group, 65% of women had symptoms decrease by more than 50%, compared to 36% with desipramine and 29% with placebo. Sertraline helped especially with mood and pain. Whether women had a history of depression did not change these results.

What it means for you

Sertraline appears to work specifically for PMS and PMDD, not just because it is an antidepressant. This supports SSRIs as a first-line treatment for severe PMS or PMDD. This was a large, well-designed study.

189

Women in study

65%

Improved with sertraline

29%

Improved with placebo

About the study

Original title: Differential response to antidepressants in women with premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Freeman EW, Rickels K, Sondheimer SJ et al.
Journal: Archives of general psychiatry
Year: 1999
Study design: Randomised trial
Participants: 189
What was tested: Sertraline 50 to 150 mg daily, desipramine 50 to 150 mg daily, or placebo
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.56.10.932

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Low mood and depression SSRIs and antidepressants Major depressive disorder

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