Prevalence of Depression in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent endocrine abnormality affecting 5–10% women of reproductive age worldwide. PCOS is a heterogeneous condition representing diverse clinical, reproductive, metabolic and psychological implications like hirsutism, infertility, androgenic alopecia, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, and cardiovascular diseases. There is enormous data regarding PCOS association with clinical manifestations’ and metabolic diseases but little is known about the risk of association of psychological disorders like depression and anxiety with PCOS. The aim of the present study was to estimate prevalence of depression in women with PCOS compared with controls. This cross sectional study was performed on 22 PCOS patients and 302 control women. The main outcome measures include Beck Depression Inventory and General Health Questionnaire -12. The prevalence of depression in PCOS women was found to be 90% according to Beck Depression Inventory and 59% were considered as cases suspicious for mental disorder. It was found that PCOS women were having extremely high prevalence of depression so the psychological treatment must be included in order to improve the mental status of patients. PCOS considerably increases the chance of a women developing depression. Although depression can result in destructive emotional and psychological disturbances, a healthy lifestyle, sufficient exercise, nutritious diet and prescribed medications can help in reduction of PCOS depression symptoms.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, Hirsutism, Androgenic alopecia