Publication:

Relationship between anxiety, depression and quality of life in medical student with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting 5-10% of women worldwide. It has clinical, hormonal and psychological manifestation like anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Aim was to evaluate prevalence of anxiety, depression, and quality of life in medical students with PCOS. Objectives were to study the prevalence of anxiety, depression among medical students suffering from PCOS; and to evaluate quality of life (QoL) in students with PCOS and its association with anxiety, depression and quality of life.

Methods The cross sectional study was conducted among 70 medical students at Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, from February 2019 – June 2020. Students were screened and selected as per the Rotterdam’s 2003 criteria after informed consent. Mental health assessment done by using Hamilton depression rating scale for depression, Hamilton anxiety rating scale for anxiety, and using 36-item short form survey for QoL.

Results Twenty five (35.7%) students suffered from anxiety while 20 (28.5%) had depressive disorders. Forty five (64%) patient both anxiety and depression. These students had significant psychological morbidity and poor QoL.

Conclusions Psychological morbidity with PCOS is undertreated and need to be addressed and treated in time so as to turn these students into a responsible happy adult.