Review, 2017
What causes PMDD and what are the best treatments?
PMDD involves an abnormal response to normal hormone changes affecting the serotonin system and brain circuits that control emotion. SSRIs are the first-line treatment, with several other options available.
What they did
Researchers reviewed the scientific evidence on what causes PMDD and what treatments work best.
What they found
Women with PMDD have a differential response to normal hormonal fluctuations, possibly involving the serotonin system, altered sensitivity of the GABA receptor to allopregnanolone, and altered brain circuits for emotion and cognition. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the first-line treatment. Second-line options include drospirenone-containing contraceptives, other ovulation suppression methods, calcium, chasteberry, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
What it means for you
This shows PMDD is a biological condition involving multiple systems in the body and brain. Treatments exist, though underlying mechanisms are still being studied.
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Authors
- Lanza di Scalea T, Pearlstein T
- Journal
- The Psychiatric clinics of North America
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Not applicable (review of treatments)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2017.01.002
Topics
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