Review, 2005
Do antidepressants improve quality of life in women with PMDD?
Yes. SSRIs significantly improved functioning and quality of life in all studies that measured this.
What they did
This is a review of studies examining how antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), affect quality of life in women with PMDD. The review examined both continuous daily dosing and luteal-phase dosing, which means taking the medication only during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
What they found
SSRIs are effective for PMDD. Both continuous and luteal-phase dosing work equally well and are well tolerated. In all studies that measured quality of life, treatment significantly improved functioning and quality of life in family relationships, work productivity, and social activities.
What it means for you
SSRIs work well for PMDD and help women function better. However, many people still do not know this treatment is available and effective. As a review, the findings depend on the quality of the underlying studies examined.
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of antidepressants on quality of life in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Freeman EW
- Journal
- PharmacoEconomics
- Year
- 2005
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), taken continuously or during the luteal phase
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2165/00019053-200523050-00003
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2023
Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function?
Guideline, 2023
How are GnRH agonists used to treat PMDD that doesn't respond to standard medications?
Review, 2019
What is the current evidence for diagnosing and treating PMDD, especially in Indian women?
Review, 2009
What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options?
Randomised trial, 2003
Do SSRIs (antidepressants) help PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2002
Does taking fluoxetine only during the luteal phase help PMDD?