FREQUENCY OF DEPRESSION IN YOUNG WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of depression in young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2025 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sobhraj Maternity Hospital, Karachi, including 93 women aged 15–30 years diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome using Rotterdam criteria. Participants were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling. Depression was assessed using DSM-IV criteria. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics and chi-square testing, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS
The mean age of participants was 23.8 ± 4.2 years. Depression was observed in 40.9% of cases. A statistically significant association was found with marital status, with depression present in 55.6% of unmarried compared to 20.5% of married participants (p=0.001). No significant associations were observed with age group (p=0.242), obesity status (p=0.071), family income (p=0.081), or residential status (p=0.316).

CONCLUSION

Depression was frequently observed among young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, indicating a considerable psychological burden associated with the condition. A statistically significant association was found between depression and marital status, whereas age, body mass index, family income, and residential status did not show significant associations. These findings highlight the need to consider psychosocial factors when evaluating women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.