Posts promote unproven treatment for PMDD

Conversations also discussed depression in young children.

Recent articles discussed social media posts suggesting that over-the-counter antihistamines can treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, despite a lack of evidence supporting their use for this condition. Commenters shared their experiences with antihistamines and PMDD, and many said their PMDD symptoms had been dismissed by health care providers. Plus, a post about a 10-year-old’s suicide prompted concern about children’s mental health, and articles about GLP-1 medications and mental health sparked discussion about the relationship between these medications and eating disorders.

Given these conversations, communicators may share information about evidence-based treatments for PMDD, circulate mental health resources for kids and their families, and explain how GLP-1 medications may affect people with eating disorders in different ways.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about mental health

In recent weeks, several articles discussed social media posts encouraging people to take the over-the-counter antihistamines fexofenadine and famotidine—commonly sold as Allegra and Pepcid—to manage PMDD symptoms like depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Experts quoted in the articles noted that while the medications may have benefits, there is currently no clinical trial evidence supporting their use for PMDD. They also cautioned against long-term antihistamine use without medical supervision and encouraged people to talk to their health care providers about evidence-based treatments for PMDD, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some social media posts sharing the articles had garnered millions of views as of June 2. While some commenters reported improvements in their PMDD symptoms after taking antihistamines, others said they experienced no benefit or reported side effects. Many also said their PMDD symptoms had been dismissed by doctors and that they had struggled to find effective treatment.

On May 20, an X user shared a post about a 10-year-old’s suicide and expressed frustration with people who don’t believe that children can experience depression. As of June 2, the post had received approximately 2.4 million views, 151,00 likes, 21,000 reposts, and 270 comments. Many commenters agreed with the message, with some sharing personal experiences of depression at a young age. Commenters also admonished parents who ignore signs of depression in their children.

Two recent Washington Post articles discussing how GLP-1 medications may affect people with eating disorders and influence brain function gained attention over the past week. In response, some social media users said the medications helped them manage binge eating disorder, ADHD, and anxiety, while others reported that taking GLP-1 medications worsened their depression or contributed to disordered eating behaviors. Some posts also expressed concern about access to GLP-1 medications through telehealth providers and questioned whether people are receiving adequate mental health support while using them.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about mental health.

Conversations about PMDD often include reports of symptoms being dismissed by health care providers, which may lead some individuals to seek unproven treatment options such as antihistamines. Messaging may validate these experiences and emphasize that PMDD is a serious condition that can significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can include extreme mood changes and physical symptoms in the days leading up to each menstrual period, and, in some cases, may contribute to depression or suicidal thoughts. Communicators may encourage individuals to talk with their health care provider about symptoms or consider finding another provider if they feel their concerns are not being taken seriously. Communicators may highlight proven treatment options like SSRIs, hormonal birth control, and over-the-counter pain medication to manage physical symptoms. Messaging may discourage the long-term use of any over-the-counter medications—including antihistamines—without guidance from a health care provider.

Discussions about children’s mental health provide an opportunity to share general mental health resources geared toward youth, including the peer support hotline YouthLine; mental health warning signs in children, who can show signs of depression starting at 3 years old; and information for caregivers about supporting children’s mental health.

In light of conversations about GLP-1 medications and mental health, communicators may explain that these medications may have positive mental health effects, like quieting “food noise” in people with binge eating disorder. But experts warn they can be dangerous in people who currently have or previously had restrictive eating behaviors, including anorexia. While research on the relationship between GLP-1 medications and depression is mixed, messaging may emphasize that people should consult a health care provider who is familiar with their mental health history before starting a GLP-1. Sharing the types of eating disorders, their warning signs, and treatment resources is recommended. Communicators may also want to circulate general mental health resources, including therapist directories, support groups, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.