'Everything's from the inside out with PCOS': Exploring women's experiences of living with polycystic ovary syndrome and co-morbidities through Skype™ interviews. Issue 2 (28th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Sophie; Sheffield, David; Knibb, Rebecca C
• Is Part Of: Health psychology open. Volume 2:Issue 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-08-28
• Subjects: anxiety -- depression -- polycystic ovary syndrome -- Skype™; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/2055102915603051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-1029

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder affecting 1 in 10 women. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome can experience co-morbidities, including depressive symptoms. This research explores the experience of living with polycystic ovary syndrome and co-morbidities. Totally, 10 participants with polycystic ovary syndrome took part in Skype™ interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data: change (to life plans and changing nature of condition); support (healthcare professionals, education and relationships); co-morbidities (living with other conditions and depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation) and identity (feminine identity and us and them). The findings highlight the need for screening of women with polycystic ovary syndrome for depressive disorders.