Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, with that of the Vitex agnus castus (AC) extract in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). After a period of 2 screening months, 41 patients with PMDD according to DSM-IV were recruited. The patients were randomized to fluoxetine or AC for 2 months of single-blind, rater-blinded and prospective treatment. At endpoint, using the clinical criterion for improvement, a similar percentage of patients responded to fluoxetine (68.4%, n = 13) and AC (57.9%, n = 11). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to the rate of responders. However, fluoxetine was more effective for psychological symptoms while the extract diminished the physical symptoms.