Type D Personality, Stress Levels, and Coping Strategies in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The study was aimed to determine level of stress and using of coping strategies and frequency of type D personality in women with androgenetic alopecia with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to correlate personality type with level of stress and coping strategies, and to correlate severity of alopecia with personality type, level of stress, and coping strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 2023 and included 146 Polish women aged 18 to 45 years with androgenetic alopecia and PCOS. A questionnaire containing social-demographic data, gynecological and obstetric history, health history, history of diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS in the past and present. Three standardized questionnaires were used: the Type-D Scale (DS)-14, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory. RESULTS Type D personality was found in 45% of patients. Most patients perceived high levels of stress (44%) and most frequently used active and supportive strategies, with avoidance strategies being less frequent. Women with type D personality experienced significantly higher levels of stress, used active strategies less often, and used avoidant strategies more often. Stages of androgenetic alopecia did not correlate with type D personality or levels of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS In women with androgenetic alopecia, type D personality is determinative of a high level of perceived stress and more frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies. The severity of the condition did not correlate with personality type and level of stress, while it was related to certain coping strategies.