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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

Maria Kleinstäuber, Ph.D., received funding for this research through a scholarship from the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz. No other funds were used for this meta-analysis. Special thanks to Andrés Steffanowski, Ph.D., for supporting us in the statistical analyses, Steffen Angermair for supporting us in coding of the studies, and to Kim Jones for the proofreading.

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  1. Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Wallstr. 3, 55122, Mainz, Germany

    Maria Kleinstäuber, Michael Witthöft & Wolfgang Hiller

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  1. Maria Kleinstäuber
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Correspondence to Maria Kleinstäuber.

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Kleinstäuber, M., Witthöft, M. & Hiller, W. Cognitive-Behavioral and Pharmacological Interventions for Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 19, 308–319 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-012-9299-y

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