Depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major public health problem referred as one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting about 6-8% women of reproductive age. Several psychological (i.e., depression, anxiety, body image, social anxieties) abnormalities are common among women with PCOS. Available literature on the psychological (i.e., depression) factors among women with PCOS provides evidence that these various aspects of PCOS are strongly inter-related. Therefore, the present study will be done to find the association of depression in PCOS in the Indian population. This was a cross sectional study conducted on 90 women 18-45 years old. The sociodemographic data was taken and depression was measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Mean score of PCOS group was 18.09 (+ 10.96) which is in the borderline range and the mean score of control group was 10.46 (+6.82) which is in the normal range. There was a significant difference between the groups. PCOS results in an increased risk of depression, thereby exposing women with PCOS to several consequences of depression. Therefore, the psychological health of women with PCOS should be considered and they should receive proper psychological guidance.