Body Image, Personality Profiles, and Alexithymia in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    November 2018 in “ Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology ”
    Elisabetta Scaruffi, Isabella Giulia Franzoi, Cristina Civilotti, Fanny Guglielmucci, Luana La Marca, M. Tomelini, Fabio Veglia, Antonella Granieri
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    TLDR Women with PCOS have more emotional and body image issues than healthy women.
    The study examined the psychological effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on 59 women with the condition compared to 38 healthy controls. It found that women with PCOS had higher levels of alexithymia, body uneasiness, and a range of psychological challenges as indicated by higher scores on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). These challenges included immaturity, anger, hostility, distrust, low self-esteem, and higher rates of clinical elevations in depression, hysteria, psychasthenia, and hypomania. The study concluded that PCOS significantly affects women's body image, emotional awareness, and personality profiles, leading to difficulties in social, professional, and intimate relationships. However, the study was limited by its small sample size, single-center design, cross-sectional nature, reliance on self-report measures, and lack of consideration for hormonal levels and symptom severity. Despite these limitations, the findings suggest the need for integrated health care protocols that include mental health assessments and treatments for women with PCOS.
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