Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

TOPIC. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) has reentered the spotlight following the FDA's recent approval of fluoxetine hydrochloride to treat its symptoms. Although the diagnosis and treatment of PMDD has long been a source of contention, the FDA move has heightened the debate over this diagnostic category and the most appropriate treatment. PURPOSE. To explore several diagnoses related to PMDD and review recent research findings pertaining to the effectiveness of SSRIs to treat PMDD. SOURCES OF INFORMATION. Published literature CONCLUSIONS. Advanced practice nurses need to remain well informed about premenstrual conditions and emerging evidence-based treatment alternatives. In particular, they need to remember that the FDA has approved fluoxetine for the treatment of a very small subset of women with premenstrual complaints, among whom treatment efficacy is limited.