Psychiatric Disorders, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Study objective: To assess psychiatric disorders in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and evaluate health-related quality of life and self-esteem in this group.

Design: Cross-sectional design. The survey was composed of validated measures and a semistructured interview.

Setting: University School of Medicine, Turkey.

Participants: Female adolescents aged 13-18 years.

Interventions and main outcome measures: Assessment of psychiatric disorders through a semistructured interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children) conducted by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).

Results: A total of 28 adolescent with PCOS and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy peers were recruited. The psychiatric diagnosis rate was higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (P < .5). In the patient group, 6 of 28 patients (21%) were diagnosed with depressive disorder and the most common single diagnosis was major depressive disorder. There were no significant differences in the PCOS and control groups in terms of RSES and PedsQL scores. There was no significant relationship between RSES scores and body image related to hirsutism, acne, and body mass index. Also, there was no significant relationship between PedsQL scores and hirsutism, acne, and body mass index.

Conclusion: Adolescents with PCOS frequently experience psychiatric disorders. Physicians should be aware that adolescents with PCOS are at a high risk for major depression and anxiety disorders.

Keywords: Adolescent; Anxiety; Depression; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Quality of life; Self-esteem.