Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among women in ambulatory treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to correlate its clinical and demographic aspects with mental disorders.

METHODOLOGY

Seventy-two patients in ambulatory treatment at the Endocrinal and Gynaecological Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro were evaluated using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria by means of MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, version 4.4). Polycystic ovary syndrome was confirmed according to the ultrasonographic criteria of Adams and by clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (57%) presented at least one psychiatric diagnosis. Among them, the prevalence of mood disorder reached 78%. The most prevalent diagnostics were major depression (26.4%) and bipolar disorder (11.1%).

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of mental disorders was observed, especially major depression and bipolar disorder. The data obtained regarding the relationship between PCOS and mood disorders in a Brazilian sample is in accordance with recent research findings in the same area.