Which of the following is a recommended nonpharmacologic management for PMDD?

• A. Keep a menstrual diary
• B. SSRIs
• C. Hormone therapy
• D. Antipsychotics

Answer: (A)

Tracking symptoms with a daily menstrual diary helps establish the cyclical pattern that defines PMDD and provides objective data to guide treatment decisions. By recording mood and physical symptoms across the cycle, you can confirm that deterioration occurs in the luteal phase and improves after menstruation, which is essential for diagnosis and monitoring response to any intervention. This nonpharmacologic approach also supports integrating lifestyle and behavioral strategies such as regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management. The other options involve medications—SSRIs, hormone therapies, and antipsychotics—which are pharmacologic treatments rather than nonpharmacologic management, so they aren’t the recommended approach in this context.