Psychosomatic Aspects of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Review

Abstract

Context: One the most prevalent endocrine disorders among females of the reproductive age is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Studies have shown that a number of disorders are associated with PCOS, including depression, anxiety, impaired body image and body dissatisfaction, eating disorder, sexual dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. However, there is still a shadow of doubt regarding the etiology of these disorders in the literature. Based on a review of literature on PCOS symptoms and its disorder, it has been revealed that clinicians generally identify the physical symptoms of PCOS while the psychological aspects of PCOS have remained unexplored. The current study aimed at reviewing the psychosomatic aspects of PCOS.Evidence Acquisition: The current study aimed at reviewing the research regarding PCOS published in various databases, including Google Scholar and more specifically PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, web of science, Science direct, magiran, scientific information database (SID), and IranMedex. The keywords used for finding relevant research articles were polycystic ovarian syndrome, mood disorders or psychological issues, psychosocial problems, borderline personality disorder or personality disorder, stress, coping styles, physical symptoms, obesity, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life. Research articles published from 1983 to 2016 with relevant topics were selected for this study. Overall, 130 articles were searched. However, after a screening procedure was carried out by the researchers based on the summary of all articles, 53 full articles were considered for this study.Results: Based on researchers' findings, 2 general categories emerged: (a) Psychosocial concerns related to PCOS (body dissatisfaction, body weight and body-image disturbances, sexual and relational functioning, femininity, fertility and sexuality concerns, health-related quality of life, stress, and coping responses); and (b) Psychiatric disorders (mood disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder). Conclusions:Given the high prevalence and the serious psychiatric complications associated with PCOS in females, clinicians should pay considerable attention to this condition and ensure that patients receive adequate psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic treatments. Additionally, it is suggested that nurses and health care providers, through providing psychosocial education and support, should improve coping strategies of females with PCOS.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptom Assessment in Adults with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

“…The most common symptom of anxiety was tension, while the least was somatic pain. A possible explanation for the prevalence of anxiety in PCOS women is the physical manifestations of their condition, such as acne, obesity, and hirsutism which lead to negative self-image and low self-esteem [ 18 ]. Also, they might experience fear and worries regarding the future and their ability to conceive [ 18 ].…”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Can Lead to Neurocognitive Changes in Female Rats Treated with Letrozole

“…The exact mechanisms of development of anxiety and depression in PCOS are not clearly understood, but altered insulin secretion and insulin resistance, obesity, low levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis disturbance, and female hormone disturbance may play a role in its pathophysiology (23,24).…”

Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among College Going Females in Gurgaon: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…2 Psychological features include loss of femininity, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal attempts which are more prevalent in PCOS population. 3 IR and increased androgen production are identified as key pathophysiological elements for PCOS development; the exact cause is still unrecognized. Moreover, clinical presentation significantly depends on environmental factors, lifestyle, genotype, and ethnic background.…”