THE EFFICACY OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY IN TREATING PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC CHANGES

This study assesses the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in treating premenstrual dysphoric changes. The CBT condition (n = 24) aimed to modify dysfunctional thinking as a means of impacting on neg ative premenstrual symptoms and changes. The components of CBT were co gnitive restructuring and assertion training. A comparison condition c alled 'information-focused therapy' (IFT) (n = 9) aimed to present inf ormation only and did not address belief restructuring. The components were relaxation training, nutritional and vitamin guidelines, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, aspects of child management training a nd assertion training. Results indicated that the amelioration of anxi ety, depression, negative thoughts and physical changes can be effecti vely addressed by either CBT or IFT. The extent to which a woman's bel ief system is critical in the experience of premenstrual distress requ ires further empirical investigation.