Self-Help Psychotherapy for Premenstrual Disorders

Overseen By Jennifer Gordon, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Regina

Must not be taking: Oral contraceptives

Disqualifiers: Psychotherapy

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 months

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude those taking oral contraceptives.

How is the self-directed psychotherapy program for premenstrual disorders different from other treatments?

This self-directed psychotherapy program is unique because it allows individuals to manage their premenstrual disorders on their own, using a structured guide, without the immediate need for a therapist. This approach is similar to self-help methods used for PTSD, which have shown to be effective and cost-efficient, providing an accessible option for those who may not have immediate access to professional therapy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study is testing a self-help mental health program that was designed to help people cope with the challenges of living with a premenstrual disorder. Individuals with a premenstrual disorder - either premenstrual dysphoric disorder or premenstrual exacerbation of depression - will track their daily symptoms for two menstrual cycles before they complete the program, throughout the two-cycle program, and for an additional two cycles after accessing the program. This will allow the research team to compare their symptoms before and after accessing the program.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Participants will need to track their symptoms for two menstrual cycles before, during, and after completing a self-help mental health program.

Inclusion Criteria

I have severe PMS or my depression gets worse before my period.

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently seeing a therapist for psychotherapy.

I am currently using oral contraceptives.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-Intervention Symptom Tracking

Participants track their daily symptoms for two menstrual cycles before starting the program

2 months

Treatment

Participants engage with the self-directed psychotherapy program, watching 11 videos and completing workbook exercises over two menstrual cycles

2 months

Post-Intervention Symptom Tracking

Participants continue to track their daily symptoms for two additional menstrual cycles after completing the program

2 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in symptoms and effectiveness of the program

2 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Self-directed psychotherapy program for premenstrual disorders

Trial Overview The study is evaluating a self-directed psychotherapy program designed to assist those coping with PMS or PMDD. It involves tracking symptoms over several menstrual cycles to assess the effectiveness of the therapy.

Participant Groups

Group I: Self-directed psychotherapy program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention consists of receiving 11 videos that are 10-15 minutes in length along with a workbook containing homework exercises. Participants are instructed to watch the videos over the course of two menstrual cycles: the first 6 during the first cycle and the last 5 during the second cycle. Each module focuses on a different skill inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Regina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

59

Recruited

9,100+

International Association for Premenstrual Disorders

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chinese My Trauma Recovery, a Web-based intervention for traumatized persons in two parallel samples: randomized controlled trial. [2021]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Single-case experimental studies of a self-help manual for traumatic stress in earthquake survivors. [2018]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Pilot Study of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for PTSD in Women Veterans. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a guided self-help (GSH) program for the treatment of mild-to-moderate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [2013]

5. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-help groups in West Germany. Developments of the last decade. [2019]