---
title: Do serotonin drugs help PMDD? | Niyora
description: Yes. Research supports using serotonin drugs for PMDD. PMS affects 20%-50% of women while PMDD (more severe PMS) affects 3%-9% of women.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/treating-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-using-serotonin-agents-2001/
---

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- Do serotonin drugs help PMDD?

Review, 2001

# Do serotonin drugs help PMDD?

Yes. Research supports using serotonin drugs for PMDD. PMS affects 20%-50% of women while PMDD (more severe PMS) affects 3%-9% of women.

 Early or limited evidence

Review of serotonin agent treatments for PMDD

## What they did

Reviewed studies on serotonin agents for treating PMDD.

## What they found

PMS affects 20%-50% of women. PMDD affects 3%-9% of women and is more severe. Most studies support the use of serotonin agents in treating PMDD, particularly in studies that excluded women with other depression to avoid confusion.

## What it means for you

Serotonin drugs are evidence-based treatment for PMDD. Because these conditions can overlap with depression, correct diagnosis is important. Women with PMDD may have significant symptoms for half the month or longer.

20%-50%

Percentage of women affected by PMS

3%-9%

Percentage of women affected by PMDD

## About the study

Original title Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder using serotonin agents Authors Lin J, Thompson DS Journal Journal of women's health & gender-based medicine Year 2001 Study design Review What was tested Not applicable - literature review Read the paper [doi.org/10.1089/15246090152636497](https://doi.org/10.1089/15246090152636497)

## 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/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

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.

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