Faculty mentor/PI email address
troutmam@rowan.edu
Keywords
PCOS, PCOS treatment, mental health, body image
IRB or IACUC Protocol Number
PRO-2025-129
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Abstract (250 words)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with a range of physical symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility. While its metabolic and reproductive manifestations are well characterized, the impact of PCOS on mental health remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PCOS and mental health outcomes, with a particular focus on changes in symptoms following treatment and the influence of demographic factors.
A survey-based study was conducted using a Qualtrics questionnaire distributed via QR code and social media platforms. Questions were modeled after validated screening tools, including the CESD-R and GAD-7, to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. Participants reported mental health status one month prior to and one month following treatment, along with demographic information such as race, age, time since diagnosis, and treatment modality.
Results demonstrate that PCOS is associated with significant mental health burden, including increased sadness, anxiety, and body image concerns. Following treatment, participants showed improvements in most domains, particularly in sadness frequency and body image distress. However, some areas, such as appearance satisfaction, showed less improvement or worsening trends. Differences were also observed across treatment types, with no-treatment groups reporting higher satisfaction scores compared to some intervention groups.
These findings highlight the complex and multifaceted relationship between PCOS and mental health. The study underscores the need for more comprehensive, individualized treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of PCOS, as well as further research into demographic influences on patient outcomes.
Disciplines
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications | Medicine and Health Sciences | Psychiatric and Mental Health
Included in
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons
Effect of PCOS Treatment on Mental Health Outcomes
Abstract (250 words)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with a range of physical symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility. While its metabolic and reproductive manifestations are well characterized, the impact of PCOS on mental health remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PCOS and mental health outcomes, with a particular focus on changes in symptoms following treatment and the influence of demographic factors.
A survey-based study was conducted using a Qualtrics questionnaire distributed via QR code and social media platforms. Questions were modeled after validated screening tools, including the CESD-R and GAD-7, to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. Participants reported mental health status one month prior to and one month following treatment, along with demographic information such as race, age, time since diagnosis, and treatment modality.
Results demonstrate that PCOS is associated with significant mental health burden, including increased sadness, anxiety, and body image concerns. Following treatment, participants showed improvements in most domains, particularly in sadness frequency and body image distress. However, some areas, such as appearance satisfaction, showed less improvement or worsening trends. Differences were also observed across treatment types, with no-treatment groups reporting higher satisfaction scores compared to some intervention groups.
These findings highlight the complex and multifaceted relationship between PCOS and mental health. The study underscores the need for more comprehensive, individualized treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of PCOS, as well as further research into demographic influences on patient outcomes.