---
title: Do SSRIs (antidepressants) help PMDD? | Niyora
description: Yes, multiple randomized trials show SSRIs significantly improve PMDD symptoms, especially mood and psychological symptoms. Intermittent dosing for 14 days pe
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/treatment-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-with-selective-serotonin-reuptake-2003/
---

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- Do SSRIs (antidepressants) help PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2003

# Do SSRIs (antidepressants) help PMDD?

Yes, multiple randomized trials show SSRIs significantly improve PMDD symptoms, especially mood and psychological symptoms. Intermittent dosing for 14 days per month works nearly as well as daily dosing.

 Strong study design

Review of multiple randomized trials (not a single study population)

## What they did

Literature review of randomized controlled trials examining SSRIs for PMDD treatment. The authors reviewed efficacy, side effects, and different dosing schedules including both continuous daily dosing and intermittent dosing.

## What they found

SSRIs significantly improved psychological and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase and improved quality of life. Common side effects were headache, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Intermittent SSRI therapy (14 days per month) was effective with much less total medication exposure. PMDD affects approximately 3-8% of menstruating women.

## What it means for you

SSRIs are an effective treatment for PMDD with manageable side effects. Intermittent therapy (taking the drug only 2 weeks per month) is recommended before daily dosing to reduce total medication exposure and costs. This is a review of multiple trials, so evidence is fairly strong.

3-8%

Percentage of women with PMDD

14 days

Effective intermittent dosing per month

Multiple RCTs

Reviewed in analysis

## About the study

Original title Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Authors Luisi AF, Pawasauskas JE Journal Pharmacotherapy Year 2003 Study design Randomised trial What was tested SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), including both daily and intermittent dosing schedules Read the paper [doi.org/10.1592/phco.23.10.1131.32754](https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.23.10.1131.32754)

## 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/)[Libido and sexual function](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sexual-function/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[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

Systematic review, 2024

Do SSRI antidepressants help treat PMS and PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2023

Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function?

Review, 2019

What is the current evidence for diagnosing and treating PMDD, especially in Indian women?

Review, 2009

What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options?

Randomised trial, 2008

Does the antidepressant escitalopram taken only during the luteal phase reduce PMDD symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2005

Does fluoxetine improve sexual drive and desire in women with PMDD?

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