Cognitive-behavioral therapy for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review

Abstract

We systematically reviewed empirical studies that investigated the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Our multi-database search identified seven published empirical reports. Three were identified as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The methods utilized to investigate therapeutic efficacy of CBT in these studies varied widely from case reports to RCTs with pharmacotherapy comparison groups. Initially we provide a brief overview of CBT and justifications for its potential use to treat PMS/PMDD. Next, we provide critical evaluations of the analyses used in each study focusing on the detection of intervention effects assessed by statistically significant time by group interactions. When possible we calculate effect sizes to elucidate the clinical significance of results. Our review revealed a dearth of evidence providing statistically significant CBT intervention effects. Issues such as overall time investment, latency to treatment effects, and complementary and combined therapies are considered. We present a theoretical argument for applying mindfulness- and acceptance-based CBT interventions to PMS/PMDD and suggest future research in this area. In conclusion, to produce the necessary evidence-base support for PMS/PMDD given the limited empirical evidence reported here, researchers are called on to produce methodologically rigorous investigations of psychosocial interventions for PMS/PMDD.

Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention for Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Although previous results were promising, there is a lack of methodologically profound studies investigating the efficacy of a CBT for PMDD [48]. The between-group effect sizes in previous studies were only small to medium [22].…”

Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Premenstrual Syndrome Through Compliance to Treatment in an Iranian Sample

“…They believed that women with premenstrual syndrome might negatively interpret the psychological events. The cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the women find more compatible ways to deal with premenstrual changes [12][13][14]. According to the ACOG (2000), medication is the first treatment method for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.…”

“…Many authors, including Kirkby (1994), Christensen (1995), Blaker et al (1998) [1], Haynes et al (1998) [13], Navabinejad and Davoodvandi [16] and Davoodvandi [6] (2011) considered cognitivebehavioral therapy as one the most eligible treatments for premenstrual syndrome. Others, such as Feldman (2007), Dugas (2003), Hoffman (2007), and Marlatt at c (2007) believe that cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of those emotional and physical disorders accompanying with symptoms with premenstrual syndrome (e.g., pain and anxiety) played a key role in proposing a theoretical framework for the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome [14].…”

Síndrome pré-menstrual e transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual: a terapia cognitiva comportamental como tratamento

“…Para a avaliação da intensidade desses sintomas, tem-se utilizado o desempenho social, familiar e profissional por meio de escalas de autoavaliação. Hoje, temos a TCC como tratamento de primeira linha, iniciado no estudo de Lustyk et al 58 , para SPM e TDPM, através de revisão sistemática, utilizada em estudos para desordem psiquiátrica e clínica da SPM e TDPM 37 . Utiliza-se a TCC em pesquisas como tratamento sem uso de medicação, a exemplo da experiência em SPM nos EUA, onde temos 90% das mulheres com SPM (cerca de 28 milhões de mulheres) e 10% com TDPM (cerca de 6 milhões) 49 .…”