Assessment of Psychological Disorders and Quality of Life in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Cases

Ann Afr Med. 2026 Mar 19. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_687_25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The study investigates anxiety and depression prevalence in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), analyzes the link between PCOS symptoms and psychiatric conditions, and assesses the quality of life (QOL) in these patients.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care center over 1 year, focused on patients with PCOS diagnosed per the Rotterdam criteria, including oligoovulation and/or anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovaries. Participants were women aged 18-45 who provided written informed consent. Mental health was assessed through history and mental status examination, with psychiatric disorders diagnosed using the ICD-10.

RESULTS: A total of 200 women were diagnosed with PCOS; significant findings were observed: 83% of participants were under 30 years, with a mean body mass index of 26.89 ± 3.59%-45.5% classified as overweight and 19.5% as obese. 55% experienced anxiety, and 52% had depression, with 34% reporting poor daily functioning. Hormonal levels were as follows: Luteinizing hormone (LH) at 8.95 ± 1.91 mIU/ml, FSH at 6.49 ± 1.53 mIU/l, and AMH at 5.53 ± 2.71 pmol/L. While 66% of women had good functioning, a significant QoL difference was noted (P = 0.0012). Anxiety levels were higher among those with acne (63.01%), hirsutism (67.92%), and infertility (74.07%), but severity showed weak correlation with PCOS symptoms (P = 0.6698). Among 43 obese women, 72.09% showed depressive symptoms, especially affecting those with hair loss (72.55%) and infertility (77.77%). Of 73 participants with menstrual irregularities, 52.05% had poor functioning; however, 77.78% of infertile women reported good functioning, indicating statistically insignificant QoL differences related to specific PCOS symptoms (P = 0.0555).

CONCLUSION: This study shows a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in PCOS patients, negatively impacting their QoL. Early screening for psychological symptoms is recommended to reduce severe anxiety, major depression, and suicidal incidence, thereby improving patient productivity and QoL.

PMID:41889238 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_687_25