Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

    January 2024 in “ Cureus
    Latteefah Alnaeem, Mohammed N. Al-Nasser, Yaqin A AlAli, Fatimah Almarri, Alyshah Abdul Sultan, Fatimah A Almuhaysin, Nadeen Boubshait, Latifah Abdullah A Almulhim
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    TLDR Many women with PCOS in Saudi Arabia suffer from depression and anxiety.
    The cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia involved 967 women, 367 (37.9%) of whom were diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The study found that 112 (30.5%) of PCOS patients experienced severe depression, and 144 (39.2%) had extreme anxiety. Factors associated with these mental disorders included being aged 26-35, being divorced, having a positive family history of PCOS, and being overweight. Younger participants (15-25 years) and those advised on diet and healthy lifestyles also exhibited a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study concluded that over two-thirds of females with PCOS had depression, anxiety, and stress.
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