One year on from Prozac gaining a UK license for use in treating severe PMS, a research review has confirmed its benefits in treating both psychological and physical symptoms.

But anecdotal information from the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome suggests some doctors may be too keen to reach for the prescription pad rather than taking a gentler approach.

NAPS network development officer, Christine Baker said: " It seems some GPs are fairly naive and are taking a 'more rather than less' approach. We would usually urge a more gentle first line intervention, offering advice on diet and exercise things like that."

She stressed that, for many women with severe PMS, Prozac has been immensely successful, but suggested that women may also not be given enough information when prescribed it.

Two schools of thought

"There seem to be two clear schools of thought. There are those women who are tired and desperate and for whom Prozac is, by and large successful. Then there are those who think 'Why am I being put on this - I'm not depressed' because it hasn't been explained to them how it works," said Ms Baker.

Calls logged to the NAPS helpline during the month of June suggested around 10% of callers were being prescribed anti-depressants for their PMS - though research indicates only 5% of women have symptoms severe enough to need them.