PCOS linked to psychological problems, including anxiety and depression

January 01, 0001

PCOS linked to psychological problems, including anxiety and depression

The impact of metabolic and reproductive features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compromises psychological functioning. The researchers from Australia investigated factors associated with negative psychological functioning to determine whether they were predictive of anxiety and depression in PCOS. A cross-sectional study was performed by questionnaire in 177 women with PCOS and 109 healthy controls.

Women with PCOS, compared with control women, had a higher mean anxiety score, a higher mean depression score and more negative body image.

The researchers concluded: "Women with PCOS have increased anxiety, depression and negative body image compared with women without PCOS. In women with or without PCOS, body image and self-worth are predictors of both anxiety and depression, while QOL also predicts only depression. Time taken to diagnose PCOS is associated with poor psychological functioning."

Even though looking at subjective beliefs, these findings may have been better correlated with some anthropometric measures and dermatological features, as well as information on therapy.

For the full abstract, click here.

Human Reproduction 26(4), April 2011 © The Author 2011
Is having polycystic ovary syndrome a predictor of poor psychological function including anxiety and depression?. A.A. Deeks, M.E. Gibson-Helm, E. Paul and H.J. Teede. Correspondence to A.A. Deeks: [email protected]

Category: X. Female Genital System, Breast. Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, anxiety, depression, quality of life, body image, questioonaire, cross-sectional study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 26 April 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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