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Differential Contributions of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Manifestations to Psychological Symptoms

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of previously identified Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifestations (infertility, hirsutism, obesity, menstrual problems) to multiple psychological symptoms. Participants were 126 female endocrinology patient volunteers diagnosed with PCOS who completed a cross-sectional study of PCOS manifestations and psychological symptoms. Participants had significantly elevated scores on nine subscales of psychological symptoms. Menstrual problems were significantly associated with all symptom subscales as well as the global indicator, while hirsutism and obesity were significantly related to five or more subscales. After controlling for demographic factors, menstrual problems were the strongest predictor of psychological symptoms. Findings suggest features of excess body hair, obesity, and menstrual abnormalities carry unique risks for adverse psychologic symptoms, but menstrual problems may be the most salient of these features and deserve particular attention as a marker for psychological risk among women with PCOS.

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Acknowledgments

We are especially grateful for the women who served as research participants. This work is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Sam Thatcher, a generous friend, dedicated clinician, and selfless mentor.

Partial funding was received for Dr. McCook from the National Institutes of Health Contraception and Infertility Loan Repayment Program.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 70676, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA

    Judy G. McCook PhD, RN

  2. Department of Family Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Beth A. Bailey PhD

  3. Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Stacey L. Williams PhD

  4. Internal Medicine Residency Program, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Sheeba Anand MD, MPH

  5. School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Nancy E. Reame PhD, FAAN

Authors
  1. Judy G. McCook PhD, RN
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  2. Beth A. Bailey PhD
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  3. Stacey L. Williams PhD
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  4. Sheeba Anand MD, MPH
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  5. Nancy E. Reame PhD, FAAN
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judy G. McCook PhD, RN.

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McCook, J.G., Bailey, B.A., Williams, S.L. et al. Differential Contributions of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Manifestations to Psychological Symptoms. J Behav Health Serv Res 42, 383–394 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-013-9382-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-013-9382-7

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