Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 4-20% of reproductive-age women globally and is characterized by menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, obesity, and infertility. Beyond metabolic and reproductive disturbances, women with PCOS experience a high psychological burden, particularly anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. However, mental health concerns in PCOS remain underrecognized in routine clinical care, especially in South Asian and Kashmiri populations, where social stigma around infertility and appearance-related changes increases psychological vulnerability.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and severity of anxiety among women with PCOS attending outpatient clinics in Kashmir.
Objectives:
1. To measure anxiety levels using the GAD-7 scale.
2. To evaluate the association between specific PCOS symptom clusters (hirsutism, menstrual irregularity, infertility) and psychological distress.
3. To identify demographic and clinical factors related to higher anxiety burden.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 55 women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria. Participants already undergoing psychiatric treatment or previously diagnosed with psychiatric illness were excluded. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the GAD-7 scale (range 0-21; minimal to severe categories). Ethical clearance was obtained. No external funding was involved. Data on age, relationship status, and self-reported most distressing PCOS-related symptoms were collected.
Results: Among the 55 participants, moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 ?10) was present in 72.77 percent, aligning with global findings reporting significant psychological comorbidity in PCOS women. Anxiety severity was highest in the 15-25-year age group. Relationship status distribution showed 63.6 percent single, 33.3 percent married, and 3 percent divorced participants. The most distressing symptoms reported were infertility (33 percent severe distress) and irregular menses (28 percent moderate distress). Participants frequently endorsed low self-confidence, social withdrawal, and concerns regarding future fertility. These findings are consistent with existing literature indicating that PCOS increases psychological morbidity through hormonal imbalance, cosmetic concerns, and reproductive challenges.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of anxiety among Kashmiri women with PCOS, particularly younger participants and those distressed by infertility and menstrual irregularities. Psychological morbidity remains underrecognized in PCOS management pathways. Integrative clinical models that incorporate routine mental health screening alongside endocrinologic evaluation are essential for comprehensive PCOS care. Early identification and timely psychological intervention may improve overall wellbeing and treatment adherence.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Research Journals