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Randomised trial, 1991

Does fluoxetine help women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder?

Yes. Nine out of 10 women taking fluoxetine improved, compared to 2 out of 10 on placebo, and all who took fluoxetine wanted to continue it.

Early or limited evidence 20 women with LLPDD

What they did

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assigned 20 women with LLPDD to fluoxetine 20 mg per day or placebo for two menstrual cycles. Women filled out daily rating forms to track symptoms.

What they found

Nine of 10 women on fluoxetine responded to treatment, while only 2 of 10 on placebo did. Symptoms decreased in all 10 LLPDD symptom categories in the fluoxetine group. All 10 women on fluoxetine chose to continue it after the study.

What it means for you

Fluoxetine appears effective for LLPDD and is well tolerated. This was a very small study, so results should be confirmed in larger groups.

20

total women studied

9 of 10

women on fluoxetine who improved

2 of 10

women on placebo who improved

About the study

Original title
Fluoxetine in the treatment of late luteal phase dysphoric disorder
Authors
Stone AB, Pearlstein TB, Brown WA
Journal
The Journal of clinical psychiatry
Year
1991
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
10
What was tested
Fluoxetine 20 mg per day for two menstrual cycles

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