How Common are Depressive-Anxiety States, Body Image Concerns and Low Self-Esteem in Patients of PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age with increased incidence of emotional disturbances and other psychopathology. We undertook this research to study the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety as well as understand body image disturbances and self-esteem of the women of PCOS. We studied the relationship of depressive symptoms with self-esteem and body image disturbances.

A total of 105 patients diagnosed as PCOS were recruited from gynecology OPD after informed consent and ethics approval. A proforma along with Beck's Depression Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory and Rosenberg' s Self-Esteem Scale were administered to patients for further assessment.

In total, 54 (51.43%) patients of PCOS had depression on BDI, 12( 11.43%) patients had body image disturbances an d 23 (21.90%) patients had a low self-esteem. A total of 21 patients( 20%) had mild and moderate depression while 5% had severe depression. Majority 53 (50.48%) of our patients had mild anxiety whereas severe to extreme anxiety was seen in about 31% of patients. Body image disturbances were seen in only 12(11.43%) patients and low self-esteem was present in 23 patients. No statistically significant correlation of depression was seen with body image or self-esteem.

The results of this study indicate that there is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients of PCOS than body image concerns and low self-esteem. Prognosis for patients would improve by liaison between gynecologist and psychiatrist.