Systematic review, 2021
Can cognitive behavioral therapy treat PMS without medication?
Yes, according to this review. All 32 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and other non-medication approaches significantly reduced or completely stopped PMS symptoms with no side effects reported.
What they did
A systematic review searched for published studies testing cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and other non-medication approaches for PMS and PMDD. The review analyzed all studies published up to 2021 that examined these treatments.
What they found
All 32 identified studies found a significant reduction in PMS to complete remission with non-medication interventions. No side effects were reported. Benefits lasted over time. Self-help psychoeducational programs worked well for most women with mild to moderate PMS. More severe PMS typically required one-to-one cognitive behavioral therapy sessions.
What it means for you
Non-medication approaches, especially cognitive behavioral therapy and self-help programs, are effective treatments for PMS and should be considered first-line options. The main limitations are that studies varied in quality and more research is needed on personalized self-help programs.
32
Studies reviewed finding improvement
About 5%
Women needing professional help for PMS
None
Side effects reported
About the study
- Original title
- Short report: cognitive behavioral therapy - a primary mode for premenstrual syndrome management: systematic literature review
- Authors
- Kancheva Landolt N, Ivanov K
- Journal
- Psychology, health & medicine
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, lifestyle modifications
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1810718
Topics
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