title: Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of adjunctive quetiapine SR in the treatment of PMS/PMDD.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), afflicts 5-8% of reproductive age women and results in significant functional impairment. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive quetiapine in patients with PMS/PMDD who had inadequate response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor therapy for their symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A PMS/PMDD diagnosis was confirmed by 2-month prospective diagnostic assessment of PMS/PMDD using the Prospective Record of the Impact and Severity of Premenstrual Symptoms (PRISM) calendar. Women were randomized equally to receive quetiapine sustained-release (SR) or placebo (25-mg starting dose) during the luteal phase for 3 months. Outcome variables included the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales, Clinical Global Impression Scale, and PRISM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty women were enrolled in the treatment phase. Although the study was underpowered, greater reductions in luteal phase mood ratings were observed in the quetiapine group on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression improvement rating, and PRISM daily score. The quetiapine group showed most improvement in symptoms of mood lability, anxiety, and irritability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This small double-blind study suggests that adjunctive treatment with quetiapine SR may be a useful addition to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy in women with PMS/PMDD by reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Girdler
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Hamer
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Killenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meltzer-Brody
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D065446:Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
keywords: SNRIs; SSRIs; antidepressant medications; premenstrual dysphoric disorder; premenstrual syndrome; quetiapine