Pharmacotherapy for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A meta-analysis of phase 3 trials

Abstract

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a common condition that temporarily, but repetitively affects patient’s global function. Patients and physicians alike are often uncertain whether prescription medication for PMDD is suffi ciently effective. The prima ry objective of this analysis is signal detection in effi cacy of pharmacological treatments in PMDD. Secondary objective is to rev iew which symptoms are likely to respond to which medications. The review included otherwise healthy women with clinician confi rmed diagnosis of PMDD who participated in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of PMDD. Twelve pair-wise comparisons of drug and placebo for 2,420 patients with PMDD were performed. Oral contraceptives and selective serotonin receptor inhibitor were effective in alleviating symptoms of PMDD compared to placebo. Both Intermittent and continuous administration were more effective than placebo. This meta-analysis provides a signal that pharmacological treatment of PMDD is effective.