Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome - Internet-based Self-help (praemensis)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) focused on measuring Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Internet-based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Fulfilling of particular diagnostic criteria: positive retrospective symptom screening & confirmation of the diagnosis by a prospective PMS-Diary over 2 menstrual cycles
- Age 18-45 years
- Internet access
- Fluency in German
Exclusion Criteria:
- Birth of a child or lactation going back to less than 3 months
- Pregnancy
- Symptoms exist less than three cycles
- Gynaecological diseases: Hysterectomy, Gynaecological cancer, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Endometriosis, Infertility
- Current diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar disorder
- Current diagnosis of eating-disorder
- Current diagnosis of average or severe depression
- Current diagnosis of somatisation disorder
- Acute suicidal tendency
- participation in psychotherapy due to premenstrual syndrome, currently or in the past
- Begin to take antidepressants or a change of the active pharmaceutical ingredient during the last three months
- Begin to take a combined oral contraceptive pill or a change of the preparation during the last three months
- Begin to take hormones or a change of the hormone supplement during the last three months
- The taking of Benzodiazepines/Antipsychotics
Sites / Locations
- Philipps University Marburg, Dept. of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Other
Internet-based CBT for patients with PMS
waiting list
The therapeutical intervention follows a treatment manual consisting of 14 modules. Patients work on up to two modules every week for eight weeks in a row. Modules comprise a) psychoeducation (e.g., information about PMS and its treatment); b) cognitive strategies (e.g., identifying and modifying dysfunctional cognitions, or coping with negative affects); and c) suggestions for lifestyle changes (e.g., sports, stress reduction, or balanced diet). Aim of the iCBT is to improve coping and thus to reduce the impairment due to premenstrual symptoms.
During the waiting period, patients receive no treatment. After a waiting time of 2 months, patients of the waitlist receive the same iCBT treatment as the experimental group.