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Duloxetine for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a pilot study
Marianna Mazza1, Desiree Harnic, Valeria Catalano
1Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mood Disorders Unit, Via Ugo De Carolis, 48 00136 Rome, Italy. marianna.mazza@rm.unicatt.it
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|March 4, 2008
Summary
Duloxetine significantly improved symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women. This study found 78% of participants experienced a 50% decrease in daily symptom scores after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) presents significant treatment challenges.
- Effective therapeutic options for PMDD are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of duloxetine for treating PMDD.
- To assess duloxetine's impact on mood and anxiety symptoms in PMDD patients.
Main Methods:
- An open-label study involving 55 women diagnosed with PMDD.
- Participants received duloxetine 60 mg/day for two menstrual cycles.
- Symptom severity was measured using visual analogue scales and standardized depression/anxiety rating scales.
Main Results:
- 78% of the 50 completers achieved a 50% reduction in daily symptom scores.
- Significant improvements in depression and anxiety were observed.
- Treatment effects were evident by the first menstrual cycle.
Conclusions:
- Duloxetine at 60 mg/day demonstrated efficacy in alleviating PMDD symptoms.
- The treatment was generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events.
- Further placebo-controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
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