Randomised trial, 2001
Do SSRIs (antidepressants) help women with severe PMS?
Yes. This systematic review of 15 randomized controlled trials with 904 women concluded that SSRIs reduce PMS symptoms.
What they did
Researchers searched multiple medical databases for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials testing SSRIs for severe PMS. They identified 15 studies that met their criteria, involving 904 women total.
What they found
The 15 studies showed that SSRIs reduce overall PMS symptoms in women with severe PMS.
What it means for you
SSRIs are effective for severe PMS. This is strong evidence because it pools results from 15 controlled trials with a large total number of women. The studies were well-designed with blinding and control groups.
15
studies in the review
904
women total
About the study
- Original title
- Review: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors reduce symptoms in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Robert Craft Smith
- Journal
- BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 904
- What was tested
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/ebm.6.3.75
Topics
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