- Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.
Our topic nomination is Treatment of PMS and PMDD. The following is a list of clinical questions practitioners consider when managing such cases1
In women needing treatment for PMS how effective are the following treatments compared with no treatment or other treatments to alleviate symptoms a Nonpharmacologic aerobic exercise dietary supplementation cognitivebehavioral therapy and complementary alternative therapies such as nutritional supplements herbal remedies and acupuncture.b Pharmacologic Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other pharmacologic treatments. c Hormonal suppression oral contraceptives gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists and bilateral salpingooophorectomy
2 In women diagnosed with PMDD how effective are the treatments outlined in the first question compared with no treatment or other treatments to alleviate symptoms
3 What are the harms of the treatments outlined in the first questionRelevant patients groups or subgroups are women diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
The important healthrelated benefits We are interested in improving the quality of life of those severely affected by PMS or PMMD understanding which treatments are the most effective and weighing the benefits and harms of these treatments.
- Describe why this topic is important.
Premenstrual symptoms are common among reproductiveaged women. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of women report recurrent premenstrual symptoms in line with a diagnosis of PMS.The severity of premenstrual symptoms ranges from mild with minimal effect on a womans life to severe and impairing. The primary distinction between PMS and PMDD is that PMDD symptoms are severe enough to interfere with a womans ability to function comparable with other mental disorders such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Rates of PMDD range from 1.2 to 6.4 percent in nonclinical cohorts.
- How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?
Clinicians will be more equipped to make appropriate treatment decisions for women with PMS or PMDD based on the needs of the individual patient resources and limitations unique to the institution or type of practice. Recommendations based on the systematic review will be used by clinicians to optimize treatment and improve outcomes for these patients.
- Other Information About You: (optional)
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- Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)
- Professional Society
- If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program
- Stephanie Chang MD MPH. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
