Analysis of risk factors for depression and anxiety in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, often accompanied by a series of symptoms such as hirsutism, hair loss, menstrual disorders and obesity, resulting in an increasing risk of depression and anxiety in such patients.

Methods: A total of 413 patients in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from June 2021 to June 2023 were enrolled. We collected sociodemographic information and lifestyle-related factors using a structured questionnaire. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to evaluate the psychological status of the subjects. Sleep-related variables were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and metabolic measures were collected from patients' medical records.

Results: Compared with the control group, PCOS patients were younger, the average age was (27.39 ± 3.48) years old, and the BMI value was higher, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proportions of depression and anxiety in PCOS patients were 47.7% and 39.9%, respectively. In PCOS patients with depressive anxiety symptoms, the proportions of mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression were 31.6%, 12.4%, 1.6% and 2.1%, respectively. The proportions of mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe anxiety were 30.6%, 6.2%, 1.0% and 2.1%, respectively. Depression was significantly associated with serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) OR (95% CI) = 3.33 (1.30-8.55), sleep duration 4.99 (1.45-17.23) and daytime dysfunction 8.24 (3.53-19.22). Anxiety was significantly associated with daytime dysfunction OR (95% CI) = 3.45 (1.78-6.70). No association was found between mental health and other metabolic characteristics in PCOS patients (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, a high proportion of women with PCOS have mental health disorders, and there is a significant correlation between mental health disorders and sleep conditions.