Only Some PMS Symptoms Improve With Antidepressant , Study Says

Antidepressants are sometimes used for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but a woman's specific symptoms may be key in whether the medications offer any help, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that of 447 women in clinical trials testing sertraline ( Zoloft )  for PMS, those with "mixed" symptoms – multiple physical and psychological symptoms – were the most likely to see an improvement.In contrast, women with mainly physical PMS symptoms got little help, unless they had severe bloating or breast tenderness.Many women have symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, headache and emotional stress shortly before their menstrual periods. Often, simple fixes like diet changes, exercise and over-the-counter painkillers are enough to manage the symptoms.But for some, PMS is severe enough to disrupt their daily lives, and antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed.Studies have found that the antidepressants can help some women with PMS