Psychosocial Factors Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Case Control Study

Abstract

Article Type: Original ArticleIntroduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in women of reproductive age. Psychosocial factors can play a role in PCOS. Methods: To determine the psychosocial factors associated with PCOS in a case control study, 742 PCOS cases were compared to 798 women without PCOS for psychiatric disorders and social conditions. The data were collected using a validated questionnaire of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. Patient Health Questionnaire (DSM-IV) was used to diagnose major psychopathological disorders and other depressive and anxiety syndromes. The suspected psychopathology was evaluated by a clinical psychiatrist. Results: There was a significant difference between cases and controls in education level (71.8% vs. 80.4%; (P<0.001), and employment status (60% vs. 53%; P=0.01) (respectively). Chronic anxiety (35.7% vs. 26.8%; P<0.001), depression (18.9% vs. 7.9 %; P<0.001), anxiety disorders (7.7% vs. 3.3%; P<0.001), and personality disorders (2.9% vs. 1.7%; P=0.01), were higher in the PCOS patients compared controls, respectively. Conclusion:The results showed that chronic anxiety and depression were the most pscycologic pattern in PCO patients. Lower educational level and unemployment were higher in the cases than controls.

Psychosomatic Aspects of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Review

“…However, the rate of PCOS reported in various studies ranges from 2.2% to as high as 26% (5). The endocrinopathy begins at puberty and ends at menopause, which has adverse consequences based on clinical presentation and laboratory findings (6). Since PCOS is associated with a wide range of medical problems, it has gained remarkable attention over the last decade (7).…”

“…Since PCOS is associated with a wide range of medical problems, it has gained remarkable attention over the last decade (7). However, a comprehensive and clear explanation for the pathogenesis of this disorder has remained questionable (6,8). There are several features for characterizing PCOS, such as menstrual disturbances (amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea) and hyperadrogenism (hirsutism or acne, and very often obesity).…”

“…It is common for almost all females diagnosed with PCOS to have negative emotions of frustration, anxiety, and to a lesser extent, sadness (8,10). However, several disorders such as changes in appearance, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and possibly disturbances in sexual attitudes and behavior (8) can lead to psychological distress and impaired emotional well-being (6,11). These can impact the patients' feminine identity and create psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, as well as marital and social maladjustment (9,12).…”

“…This further indicates the importance of emotional distress and psychiatric disorders in reducing psychosocial aspects of quality of life in PCOS. According to the literature, depression and anxiety are the most common mental symptoms of PCOS, while mood and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses of PCOS (6,23).…”

“…As such, life events are more stressful for these patients, which can increase their psychological difficulties. Several other common mental problems such as anxiety, depression, aggression (28), body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and sexual dissatisfaction may significantly reduce the patients' quality of life in physical, mental, and sexual dimensions (6,32). Overall, reduction in psychosocial aspects of quality of life in patients with PCOS depends on emotional distress and 4…”