Sleep disorders and psychological comorbidities in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and hormonal disorder that affects physical and emotional well-being. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess associated factors like sleep disturbance, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), anxiety and depression in a German-speaking population with PCOS.

METHODS

We designed an anonymous online survey with items from validated questionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the STOP-Bang questionnaire to screen for OSA. The survey was mainly distributed via social media in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Data from 587 questionnaires were analyzed.

RESULTS

Based on the STOP Bang questionnaire, 19.5% of women had a high probability for OSA. BMI and insulin resistance were identified as independent associated factors with OSA (both p < 0.001). Overall, the median anxiety score (GAD-7) was in the moderate range (Median 10.0, Interquartile range (IQR) 8.0). According to the HADS, association with moderate to severe anxiety (HADS-A) was 52.0% and with moderate to severe depression (HADS-D) 27.8%. There was a significant positive correlation between HADS-A/ HADS-D and BMI (r = 0.122, (HADS-A)/ r = 0.223 (HADS-D), both p < 0.01). According to the PSQI, 60.5% had mild sleep disturbance and 29.7% had chronic sleep disturbance. Chronic sleep disturbance was associated with anxiety disorders and depression, as well as a high probability of OSA (p < 0.001) after adjustment for age.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the probability of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, including OSA, in women with PCOS and their association with BMI and insulin resistance.