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Psychological Distress in Women Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Role of Illness Perceptions

Light, R; Chilcot, J; McBride, E; (2021) Psychological Distress in Women Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Role of Illness Perceptions. Women's Health Issues , 31 (2) pp. 177-184. 10.1016/j.whi.2020.11.003. Green open access

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Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic condition linked to increased risk of anxiety and depression (psychological distress). This study examined the relationship between illness perceptions and psychological distress in women living with PCOS. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey to assess psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and illness perceptions (Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised) in women living with PCOS in the UK (N = 487). Hierarchical multiple linear regression tested the associations between illness perceptions and psychological distress, adjusting for age, years since PCOS diagnosis, education, body mass index, current depression, and current anxiety disorder. Results: In the fully adjusted regression model, illness perceptions explained 18.6% of the variance in psychological distress, F(7,458) = 21.0, p < .001. Reporting more symptoms (B = 0.226), higher perceived consequences (B = 0.204), lower personal control (B = –0.184), and lower illness coherence (B = –0.127) were significantly associated with higher psychological distress (all p < .001). Conclusions: Illness perceptions may play an important role in psychological distress, even after adjusting for relevant demographics and clinical characteristics. Our findings highlight key areas where researchers and clinicians could develop targeted self-management interventions for women with PCOS, focused on altering maladaptive illness perceptions to reduce psychological burden.

Type: Article
Title: Psychological Distress in Women Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Role of Illness Perceptions
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2020.11.003
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2020.11.003
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health > Behavioural Science and Health
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10114484
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