Polycystic ovary syndrome and mental health: A review.
Although physical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are increasingly recognized by practicing clinicians, little attention has focused on psychological correlates of this frequent endocrine disorder. This review of medical and psychological literature indicates that PCOS is associated with several mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, diminished sexual satisfaction, and lowered health-related quality of life. Although the causal direction of these relationships has not been established, it is clear that effective and comprehensive treatment of women with PCOS must encompass careful attention to psychological symptomatology. Recommendations for the assessment of specific mental health problems, management of related physical concerns, and treatment of obesity among women with PCOS are presented.


BACKGROUND
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.


OBJECTIVE
After completion of this article, the reader should be able to explain that, in addition to physiologic changes, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have various mental health problems and lowered health-related quality of life issues and state that treatment must address these concerns.
Himelein
Melissa J
MJ
Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina 28804-8508, USA. mhimelein@unca.edu
Thatcher
Samuel S
SS
D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D019529:Sexuality