Randomised trial, 2025
Does emotional freedom techniques help with premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
Yes, women who received emotional freedom techniques had significantly lower PMS scores (76.8 vs 127.4, p<0.05) than those who did not, showing it is an effective non-medication approach.
What they did
Randomized controlled trial with 78 single female university students with PMS (40 in the treatment group, 38 in the control group). The treatment group received 2 emotional freedom techniques sessions with 3 days between them, scheduled in the week before their period.
What they found
The treatment group had significantly lower total PMS scores after the intervention (76.8±30.1) compared to the control group (127.4±34.6, P<0.05). They also had higher post-test distress scores (7.8±1.7 versus 0.5±5.7).
What it means for you
Emotional freedom techniques appear to be an effective non-drug option for reducing PMS symptoms. The study was small and looked only at university students, so results may not apply to all women with PMS.
78
total participants
2
EFT sessions
76.8 vs 127.4
PMS scores, treatment vs control
About the study
- Original title
- Does emotional freedom techniques affect premenstrual syndrome? A randomized controlled study
- Authors
- Özşahin Z, Santur SG, Ay ÇK et al.
- Journal
- International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 78
- What was tested
- Two emotional freedom techniques sessions with 3-day interval
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.16115
Topics
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