title: 'Everything's from the inside out with PCOS': Exploring women's experiences of living with polycystic ovary syndrome and co-morbidities through Skype™ interviews.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder affecting 1 in 10 women. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome can experience co-morbidities, including depressive symptoms. This research explores the experience of living with polycystic ovary syndrome and co-morbidities. Totally, 10 participants with polycystic ovary syndrome took part in Skype™ interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data: change (to life plans and changing nature of condition); support (healthcare professionals, education and relationships); co-morbidities (living with other conditions and depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation) and identity (feminine identity and us and them). The findings highlight the need for screening of women with polycystic ovary syndrome for depressive disorders.
authors.affiliation: University of Derby, UK.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: University of Derby, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sheffield
authors.affiliation: University of Derby, UK; Aston University, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Knibb
keywords: Skype™; anxiety; depression; polycystic ovary syndrome