Comparison of Body Image Perception and Depression in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Non-PCOS Women

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to appraise the relationship between women’s body image perception and depression in case and controls. Methods: In this case-control study 60 polycystic ovarian syndrome patients established agreeing to the Rotterdam criteria and 60 healthy controls of reproductive age group were enrolled. The PCOS patients and healthy controls were evaluated on questionnaire for physical appearance and depression. Body image perception was accessed using the validated Body Esteem Scale. The symptoms of Depression were evaluated with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report. Results: 55% of PCOS patients had depression while 36.7% were found with depression in the control group. In the PCOS group 65% of patients were found with positive body image while 98.3% of patients were found with positive body image. Significant association of study cases group was found with BMI group (p=0.049), diet habit (p=0.013), depression (p=0.044) and body image (p=0.000). Patients with depression are also more likely to have PCOS in comparison with those who haven’t (OR=2.111). Conclusion: There was a significant association of study group with body image perception and depression. Therefore, health of the patients with this set of symptoms is essential to be acknowledged more fully, predominantly in relation to the despair and poor body image. The outcomes of this study foster implications for clinical practice and propose that a multidisciplinary team should be involved in treatment of PCOS. Key words: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Depression.