Psychiatric-Medical ComorbidityAxis I and Axis II diagnoses in women with PCOS

ObjectiveThe objective was to determine the current prevalence of Axis I and Axis II psychiatric diagnoses in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodThe study sample included 73 patients with PCOS and 73 control subjects. Psychiatric disorders were determined by structured clinical interviews.ResultsThe rate of any Axis I psychiatric disorder (28.8% vs. 15.1%), social phobia (13.7% vs. 2.7%), generalized anxiety disorder (11.0% vs. 1.4%), any Axis II psychiatric disorder (23.3% vs. 9.6%) and avoidant personality disorder (12.3% vs. 1.4%) was significantly more common in the patient group compared to the control group.Of women with PCOS, 21 (28.8%) had at least one Axis I and 17 (23.3%) had at least one Axis II diagnosis. The most common Axis I disorder was social phobia (13.7%) and the most common Axis II disorder was avoidant personality disorder (12.3%) in women with PCOS. Social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and avoidant personality disorder were significantly more common in the patient group compared to the control group.ConclusionOur results suggest that a considerable proportion of women with PCOS also present with anxiety and personality disorders.