Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have today become the first-line treat
ment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), However; the actual success
rate of these agents in clinical practice also depends on factors such as
adequate dosing, duration of therapy and patient compliance. The aim Of the
current study was to investigate compliance and reasons for discontinuing
tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) or SSRI treatment which had been prescribed
for premenstnral syndrome. All women who were given an SSRI or TCA prescrip
tion for premenstrual symptoms at three gynecologic practices between Janua
ry 1994 and December 1997 received a written questionnaire. In all, 202 wom
en received the questionnaire, of whom 84.2% replied. Thirteen per cent nev
er started TCA or SSRI treatment and 54% continued the therapy for more tha
n 6 months, Reasons for dicontinuing SSRI or TCA were negative side-effects
(43%), other reasons (29%), a wish to deal with the problems 'naturally' (
23 %) fear of dependence (19%) not wanting to take these drugs (20%) and a
desire to find out if the premenstrual symptoms had ended (18%).
The main reason for poor compliance was negative side-effects mast often; s
exual dysfunction. The results of this study suggest that the future challe
nge in this area for gynecologists will be to ensure adequate education of
patients and adequate monitoring of the initial phase of treatment.