Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-systematic disease with a genetic predisposition, manifesting in increased risks for various metabolic diseases and its comorbidities, such as infertility, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (Marki et al., 2014). Apart from the physiological consequences, patients also often suffer from psychological consequences, such as depression, anxiety and a lower quality of life (Teede et al., 2010). Given its heterogeneous symptoms, the treatment of PCOS encompasses several medical areas.
Due to the nature of the condition, PCOS patients suffer both from primary and secondary psychological consequences. The primary psychological consequences stem from the hormonal imbalance, while the secondary psychological consequences follow the emotional burden patients face. Despite this phenomenon, medical treatment of PCOS often only focuses on the physiological sypmtoms, and psychological problems remain untreated. Psychological problems however often impact the physiological symptoms, thus worsening the condition. A recent study aimed to explore this multidimensional syndrome, and its relation with depression, anxiety, satisfaction with life, self-efficacy and certain demographic variables. Analyzing data of women with and without PCOS, statistically significant difference was observed in their values of depression [t(95.62)=-4.959, p<0.001], and satisfaction with life [t(99.40)=3.062, where p<0.05].No significant difference was found related to their values of anxiety, self-efficacy and their demographic values. The result of the research project suggests that screening and prevention of depression should be part of PCOS treatment, and patients need accurate information about the long-term risks associated with this condition in order to achieve a sustainable lifestyle change.