Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for premenstrual syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Women's Health
• Digital Therapeutics

Background:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) significantly impacts women of reproductive age.
• Limited research exists on the efficacy of internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) for PMS.
• Investigating ICBT's potential benefits for PMS symptom severity and quality of life is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of ICBT in reducing PMS symptom severity.
• To assess the impact of ICBT on the quality of life during the perimenstrual and late follicular phases.
• To determine if ICBT is a viable intervention for women with PMS.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 92 university students with moderate to severe PMS.
• Participants were assigned to either an ICBT intervention group or a control group.
• Symptom severity (DRSP) and quality of life (Q-LES-Q-SF) were measured before and after a two-cycle intervention period.

Main Results:

• The ICBT group showed a significant reduction in total PMS symptom scores compared to the control group (10.4 vs. 20.2).
• Perimenstrual quality of life significantly improved in the ICBT group (64.2 vs. 50.3).
• No significant difference in quality of life was observed during the late follicular phase between groups.

Conclusions:

• ICBT effectively reduces PMS symptom severity and enhances perimenstrual quality of life.
• ICBT does not significantly affect quality of life during the late follicular phase.
• ICBT presents a viable and effective intervention for women experiencing PMS.