> > "This may provide novel therapeutic targets for curing PMDD (PMS) or
> > catamenial epilepsy, a form of epilepsy in women that is exacerbated
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Sofie
A quick look on PubMed
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed) for premenstrual
dysphoric disorder brings up 365 pages of articles/studies dealing with that
disorder. Seems to be quite a well-established one. There doesn't seem to
be too many cross-referenced with epilepsy but those that are there seem to
be quite interesting.
Here are a couple of recent reviews:
1: Pharmacoeconomics. 2005;23(5):433-44.
Effects of antidepressants on quality of life in women with premenstrual
dysphoric disorder.
Freeman EW.
Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Psychiatry, University of
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
This review examines the effects of antidepressant medications on
premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the diminished quality of life (QOL) that
accompanies the disorder. PMDD is a chronic condition in women that emerges
in
the second half of the menstrual cycle and remits during the menstrual
period.
The affective and behavioural symptoms of PMDD adversely affect functioning
and
QOL to a disabling degree, particularly in the domains of family and
personal
relationships, work productivity and social activities.The serotonergic
antidepressants, specifically the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), are effective for PMDD. Continuous and luteal-phase dosing regimens
with SSRIs are similarly effective and well tolerated. Treatment of PMDD
with a
serotonergic antidepressant significantly improves functioning and QOL in
all
studies that have systematically examined QOL issues in this
disorder.Although
the data show that PMDD is effectively treated with serotonergic
antidepressants
and that functional impairment that accompanies the disorder is also
improved
with treatment, the social and economic burden of PMDD continues to be
widely
unrecognised. Greater awareness of the effectiveness of treatments and
reliable
measures of the direct and indirect healthcare costs of the disorder when it
remains untreated are needed.
2: Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Oct;104(4):845-59.
Premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and beyond: a
clinical
primer for practitioners.
Johnson SR.
Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, 2130E Med labs, University
of
Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. susan-johnson@uiowa,edu
The management of adverse premenstrual symptoms has presented a difficult
challenge for clinicians. However, based on numerous well-designed research
studies over the last decade, we now have diagnostic criteria for the severe
form of the syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and a variety of
evidence-based therapeutic strategies. This review presents a comprehensive,
practical description of what the clinician needs to know to diagnose and
treat
adverse premenstrual symptoms at all levels of severity. Diagnostic criteria
are
described in detail, including a discussion of the distinction between
premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The
rationale
for including prospective symptom calendars as a routine part of the
diagnostic
evaluation of severe symptoms is presented. The differential diagnosis of
cyclic
symptoms, including depression and anxiety disorders, menstrual migraine,
and
mastalgia, and an approach for the management of each of these problems are
presented. A treatment approach is recommended that matches the treatment to
the
degree of problems the woman is experiencing. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
are
the treatment of choice for severe symptoms, and most women with
PMS/premenstrual dysphoric disorder will respond to intermittent, luteal
phase-only therapy. Ovulation suppression should be reserved for women who
do
not respond to other forms of therapy. The role of oophorectomy is limited,
and
guidelines for its use are presented.