Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological problem for women of reproductive age. Depression and anxiety are common conditions that occur in women with PCOS and have an impact on mental well-being. However, there is a lake of data on their prevalence and its associated factors in the Thai population. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among women with PCOS and identify the factors associated with depression and anxiety in women with PCOS, as well as their impact on mental well-being. Methods A total of 260 women aged 15 to 40 years diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria were included in the study. Physical examinations were conducted, and participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Thai version WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5 Thai) questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, and mental well-being, respectively. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and poor mental well-being among women with PCOS was found to be 3.8%, 11.9%, and 16.9%, respectively. Poor mental well-being (odds ratio [OR] 26.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–164.0; p = < 0.001), snoring (OR 18.16, 95% CI: 2.74-120.61; p = 0.003), moderate to severe hirsutism (OR 13.05, 95% CI: 1.66-102.64; p = 0.015), and anxiety (OR 7.02, 95% CI: 1.28–38.42; p = 0.025) were identified as factors associated with depression in women with PCOS. Having children (OR 17.84, 95% CI: 4.39–72.52; p = < 0.001) and hirsutism (OR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.18–6.37; p = 0.018) were found to be relative factors for anxiety in women with PCOS. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that PCOS is linked to depression and anxiety, leading to a significant impact on mental well-being. Hirsutism was identified as a key factor associated with depression and anxiety in women with PCOS. Based on these findings, the present study suggests that screening for depression and anxiety should be conducted in women with PCOS who present with hirsutism.