Research Publications on Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Menstrual Health

Research studies collectively demonstrate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual disorders (PMDs). Despite some study limitations, CBT significantly reduces anxiety, depression, and the impact of symptoms on daily life, indicating meaningful clinical improvements.

Psychological intervention for premenstrual syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; Psychother Psychosom, 2008; Link

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of psychological interventions for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), analyzing nine randomized trials, including five focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Despite low-quality evidence due to design flaws and potential reporting bias, findings suggest CBT significantly alleviates anxiety and depression associated with PMS, with effect sizes indicating meaningful clinical improvements. The analysis also hints at CBT's potential benefits for behavioral changes and reducing the impact of symptoms on daily activities, although support for other forms of therapy, like monitoring, was limited and education was found ineffective.

Evaluation of the relative efficacy of a couple cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) for Premenstrual Disorders (PMDs), in comparison to one-to-one CBT and a wait list control: A randomized controlled trial. Randomized Controlled Trial, 2017; Link

In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), the efficacy of couple-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for Premenstrual Disorders (PMDs) was compared to one-to-one CBT and a wait-list control. Eighty-three women participated, with 63 completing post-intervention measures, yielding a retention rate of 76%. Results indicated that both CBT conditions led to significant reductions in premenstrual symptoms, emotional reactivity, and distress compared to the control group. Additionally, the couple-based CBT group showed significantly higher levels of active behavioral coping post-intervention. Qualitative analysis revealed increased awareness and understanding of premenstrual changes, as well as improved communication and relationship dynamics post-intervention, particularly in the couple-based CBT group. These findings suggest that both one-to-one and couple-based CBT interventions can effectively alleviate PMDs, with couple-based CBT offering additional benefits, particularly in terms of behavioral coping and relationship dynamics.