- Adolescents and young adults with diagnosed PCOS had more than twofold higher odds of psychiatric diagnosis (OR 2.48) and psychotropic prescription (OR 2.14).
- Compared with individuals with PCOS-like symptoms, diagnosed PCOS showed modestly higher odds of psychiatric diagnosis (OR 1.11) and medication prescription (OR 1.16).
- Findings highlight need for research on health-care utilisation and military factors and for tailored multidisciplinary mental health services for AYA with PCOS.
J Adolesc Health. 2026 Jul 10:S1054-139X(26)00211-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2026.05.008. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To study rates of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescription among US military-affiliated adolescents and young adults (AYA) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS: This retrospective matched cohort study included US military-affiliated AYA (aged 15-21 years) enrolled in TRICARE Prime for at least 6 months during the surveillance period (January 2016 to October 2023). Military-affiliated AYA were grouped into three categories: individuals diagnosed with PCOS (N = 6,911), age-matched individuals with no diagnosed PCOS symptoms (N = 35,814), and individuals with diagnosed symptoms suggestive of PCOS (N = 2,136). The presence of a psychiatric diagnoses and prescriptions for psychotropic medications were obtained via the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes and National Drug codes, respectively.
RESULTS: AYA with diagnosed PCOS had higher odds of having a psychiatric diagnosis and being prescribed a psychotropic medication compared to an age-matched comparison group (psychiatric diagnosis odds ratio [OR] = 2.48 [2.35-2.62], medication OR = 2.14 [2.03-2.25]) and individuals with symptoms suggestive of PCOS (psychiatric diagnosis OR = 1.11 [1.003-1.23], medication OR = 1.16 [1.05-1.28]).
DISCUSSION: The odds of psychiatric comorbidities and psychotropic medication prescription were more than twice as high as among US military-affiliated AYA with PCOS. More research is needed to determine whether health-care utilization and military-related factors impact mental health outcomes among AYA with PCOS. Additionally, tailored, multidisciplinary mental health services for AYA with PCOS are needed.
PMID:42429714 | DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2026.05.008
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