Randomised trial, 1996
Does paroxetine help PMDD symptoms?
Yes. Paroxetine appeared to significantly reduce PMDD symptoms, particularly feelings of worthlessness, low mood, and anger. The study was very small and had no proper control group beyond one placebo cycle, so results are preliminary.
What they did
14 women with moderate to severe PMDD took placebo for one cycle, then paroxetine (an antidepressant) for three consecutive cycles. Depression and anger/irritability scores were tracked throughout.
What they found
Depression scores dropped from 14.9 to 8.2 in the first paroxetine cycle and remained low in cycles two and three. Anger and irritability scores also improved significantly. Seven of 14 women showed complete improvement, and 4 showed partial improvement.
What it means for you
Results suggest paroxetine may help PMDD, especially for mood and anger. The study was too small and lacked a proper control group for most of the treatment period, so findings are preliminary and need confirmation in larger studies.
14.9 to 8.2
Depression score decreased from baseline to first treatment cycle
7 of 14
Women who showed complete response
4 of 14
Women who showed partial response
About the study
- Original title
- Paroxetine as a treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Yonkers KA, Gullion C, Williams A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
- Year
- 1996
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 14
- What was tested
- Paroxetine, an antidepressant that increases serotonin
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00004714-199602000-00002
Topics
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