Cognitive-Behavioral and Pharmacological Interventions for Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

Volume

19

Publisher

Springer New York LLC

Publication Date

3-18-2012

First Page

308

Last Page

319

Abstract

The current meta-analysis investigates the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacotherapy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Based on a multiple-phase literature search, controlled trials were selected according to a priori defined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on the basis of a standardized coding scheme. The standardized weighted mean difference (random effects model) was used as effect size index. Dependent on outcome, 22 included studies obtained small to medium effect sizes for cognitive-behavioral interventions (range: d + = 0.24–0.70) and for serotonergic antidepressants (range: d + = 0.29–0.58), at post-assessment. Follow-ups were performed only in studies of cognitive-behavioral interventions (range: d + = 0.46–0.74). There was no evidence of a publication bias. For both cognitive-behavioral interventions and serotonergic antidepressants, efficacy in treatment of PMS was found to not be satisfactory. Future research should possibly focus more on a combination of both approaches.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS