A randomized comparison of psychological (cognitive behavior therapy), medical (fluoxetine) and combined treatment for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

This study examines the relative effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) (ten sessions), fluoxetine (20 mg daily) and combined therapy (CBT plus fluoxetine) in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This was a randomized pragmatic treatment trial with three treatment cells. Treatment lasted for 6 months; a naturalistic follow-up was undertaken 1 year post-treatment.

Medical (fluoxetine) and psychological (cognitive-behavioural therapy) treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a study of treatment processes.

Objectives: To investigate (i) the differential changes in premenstrual symptoms, mood, cognitions, and coping strategies during two treatments [cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and fluoxetine] for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and (ii) the characteristics of those with good vs. poor outcome post treatment and at 1 year follow-up.

Methods: Premenstrual symptoms, mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), causal attributions, and use of cognitive and behavioural coping strategies were examined during 6 months of both treatments.