Escitalopram reduces impulsivity and anger in women with severe premenstrual irritability
A new study finds that taking the antidepressant escitalopram in the days leading up to menstruation reduces irritability, anger, and impulsive behavioral responses in women suffering from severe premenstrual symptoms.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that the SSRI escitalopram can reduce impulsivity and anger in women experiencing severe premenstrual irritability. The research focused on the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when hormonal changes may contribute to premenstrual symptoms.
27 women with severe premenstrual irritability and anger participated in the study, which lasted over three menstrual cycles. Participants took either escitalopram or a placebo during the luteal phase, with treatments assigned in a single-blind design. They underwent a sustained attention test called the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT 3) and completed questionnaires to rate their symptoms daily.
Results showed that escitalopram reduced anticipatory responses and increased consistency in response speeds during the luteal phase compared to placebo. Participants also reported lower irritability, anger, and mood swings while on escitalopram. The study suggests that intermittent escitalopram treatment during the symptomatic luteal phase may help alleviate specific aspects of impulsivity and inattentiveness in women with severe premenstrual irritability and anger. However, the small sample size means larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Written by urgent.news from PsyPost's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
