Research trends in cognitive behavioral therapy for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention programs for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD) and to organize the treatment outcomes and intervention components that have traditionally been addressed in CBT for PMS/PMDD. The results of the review of the 14 identified intervention programs showed that premenstrual symptoms were the most frequently used treatment outcome conventionally treated. In addition, seven studies measured quality-of-life variables such as life obstacles, and four studies measured mechanism variables such as coping. Next, intervention components were categorized into general cognitive-behavioral techniques and techniques specific to PMS/PMDD. The results showed that the general cognitive-behavioral techniques included cognitive restructuring and relaxation, while the PMS/PMDD-specific techniques included more psychoeducation on PMS/PMDD. These results suggest that when implementing CBT for PMS/PMDD, it may be useful to provide correct information about the physical and mental discomforts that occur before menstruation, and then to construct a core component that aims to acquire relaxation and cognitive restructuring skills as a way of coping with symptoms in the premenstrual period. The results of this study indicate that it may be useful to provide correct information on the psychological disorders that occur in the premenstrual period.