Prevalence of Psychological Disorders in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mississippi

Aim: This study is aimed to assess, for the first time the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated psychological disorders among women at reproductive age from a state in southeastern US. Methods: The data was collected through “the Patient Cohort Explorer” system at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) from January 2013 to December 2018. De-identified patients were searched with diagnosis code for PCOS, age, ethnicity, and associated diagnosis including weight gain, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other psychological concerns. Results: Collected data from 166,748 females (19-45 years) showed 1.4% (95% CI: 1.32 – 1.44) prevalence of PCOS in women seen in UMMC clinics during the period of study. Almost 51% of patients with PCOS suffered from one or more psychological disorders; anxiety 21% (95% CI: 19.3 – 22.6), depression 20% (95% CI: 18.9 – 22.1), ADHD 3.2% (95% CI: 2.6 – 4.0), bipolar disorder 2.5% (95% CI: 1.9 – 3.2). In addition, prevalence values suggest a positive correlation between obesity, anxiety, and depression in PCOS Patients. Conclusions: Results from this study provide 1) for the first time an estimate regarding the prevalence of PCOS and associated psychological disorders in women with PCOS in a southern state, 2) associated psychological disorders in PCOS women may be diverse based on race and ethnicity. Our data clearly highlight that the psychological well-being of women with PCOS are affected. Therefore, it is critical for the primary care and specialty clinics to use appropriate psychological screenings. Left undiagnosed and/or untreated, chronic psychological disorders may exacerbate physical and mental health conditions.