--- title: Does sertraline reduce PMDD symptoms and improve women's ability to function? description: Yes, sertraline significantly reduced symptoms and improved functioning. 62% of the sertraline group had much or very much improvement compared to 34% of the url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/symptomatic-improvement-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-with-sertraline-1997/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does sertraline reduce PMDD symptoms and improve women's ability to function? Randomised trial, 1997 # Does sertraline reduce PMDD symptoms and improve women's ability to function? Yes, sertraline significantly reduced symptoms and improved functioning. 62% of the sertraline group had much or very much improvement compared to 34% of the placebo group. Strong study design 243 women with PMDD from 12 university-affiliated psychiatry and gynecology clinics (200 completed) ## What they did A large randomized double-blind trial at 12 university-affiliated sites. 447 women applied; 243 with confirmed PMDD were randomized; 200 completed the study. Women took placebo for one cycle, then either sertraline (flexible dose 50-150 mg) or placebo for 3 cycles. ## What they found Average symptom scores decreased from 64 to 44 with sertraline, compared to 62 to 54 with placebo. All symptom clusters improved with sertraline (depressed mood, physical symptoms, anger and irritability). Depression scale scores dropped 44% with sertraline versus 29% with placebo. 62% of the sertraline group had much or very much improvement compared to 34% of the placebo group. Women's functional impairment at baseline was substantial and improved more with sertraline. ## What it means for you Sertraline is a proven, effective treatment for PMDD that reduces both symptoms and their impact on daily life and work. It was tested in a large, well-designed study. The study was conducted at university clinics, so results may vary in other settings. 62% Much/very much improvement with sertraline 34% Much/very much improvement with placebo 243 Women randomized ## About the study Original title Symptomatic improvement of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with sertraline treatment. A randomized controlled trial. Sertraline Premenstrual Dysphoric Collaborative Study Group Authors Yonkers KA, Halbreich U, Freeman E et al. Journal JAMA Year 1997 Study design Randomised trial Participants 447 What was tested Sertraline 50-150 mg daily (flexible dose) versus placebo Read the paper [doi.org/10.1001/jama.1997.03550120043031](https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1997.03550120043031) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Cohort study, 2022 What are PMS and PMDD and how should they be diagnosed and treated? Survey study, 2001 How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions? Randomised trial, 2023 Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function? Randomised trial, 2000 How should PMDD be diagnosed and treated? Randomised trial, 2000 Does sertraline improve how women with PMDD feel and function? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗