Self-Concept, Depression, and Anxiety Levels of Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Study objective: In this study we explored the level and severity of issues related to self-concept, depression, and anxiety in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Cross-sectional and case-control study.

Setting: The research was conducted in the outpatient Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Adiyaman University School of Medicine in Turkey.

Participants: The study population comprised 153 patients with PCOS and 161 healthy adolescents.

Interventions and main outcome measures: The Personal Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Children's Depression Inventory, and Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale were administered to all of the participants who took part in the study.

Results: The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale scores were lower in the PCOS group than in the control group (P < .001). In addition, the scores for the Children's Depression Inventory were also significantly higher in the PCOS group (P < .001). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children scores showed statistically significant higher levels of state anxiety and trait anxiety in the PCOS group (P < .001).

Conclusion: Adolescents with PCOS had lower self-concept scores, greater anxiety levels, and increased depressive symptoms than the healthy controls. Future studies are needed to examine the psychiatric problems in adolescents with PCOS.

Keywords: Anxiety; Child; Depression; Polycystic ovarian syndrome; Self-concept.