The Role of Depression and Anxiety in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder that manifests in women of reproductive age. This disorder is classified by hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction which causes a wide range of symptoms including – hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities, cystic ovaries, insulin resistance, and obesity. Lifestyle complications of PCOS put many women at risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and endometrial carcinoma. While the cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome remains unknown, scientific data has shown there to be a genetic component. In recent literature, polycystic ovarian syndrome has also been associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, somatization, bipolar disorder and depression. Although PCOS has many health risks, including issues with reproduction, the psychological disturbances attributed to this diagnosis are often overlooked. In this study, the role of depression and anxiety in polycystic ovarian syndrome will be further analyzed. The aim will be to investigate the rates of these psychological disturbances among women with PCOS, and to identify possible supplementary solutions to combat this disorder