Modeling the Psychiatric Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Induced Stress

The study explored the psychiatric aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by modeling the condition in mice using dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and adding a stress factor through corticosterone (CORT) pellets. The research aimed to understand the interaction between stress and PCOS on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Results indicated a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swim test, suggesting depression-like behavior, and a significant interaction in anxiety-like behavior on the elevated zero maze. The hypothesis that combining prenatal PCOS with stress would better model human conditions was only partially supported. These findings contributed to understanding the complex relationship between stress, mental health, and PCOS, affecting approximately 5 million women in the U.S.