Symptoms of anxiety and depression and health-related quality of life in women with severe obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome and the effect of a one year weight loss intervention

Abstract

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women, with more reported symptoms of anxiety, depression and lower health related quality of life (HRQoL). PCOS is associated with, and increases with obesity, which per se could lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower HRQoL. First line treatment for PCOS is weight loss through life-style intervention. Studies on mental health and quality of life in women with PCOS and severe obesity are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL in women with severe obesity with and without PCOS, and to define the effect of a one-year weight loss intervention. Methods In total 246 women with severe obesity with (n = 63), and without (n = 183) PCOS were included. Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale Self-rating Scale for affective symptoms, and the generic short form-36 were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL. At one year, 72 women had completed a one-year weight loss intervention and were followed up with baseline data. Results There were no differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL between women with and without PCOS at baseline. Clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety were present in 71.3% (PCOS) respectively 65.6% (non-PCOS), and symptoms of depression were present in 56.4% (PCOS), respectively 52.2%, (non-PCOS). Significant weight reduction improved physical HRQoL for all women, but decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression only in women without PCOS. Conclusions In women with severe obesity, weight loss improves symptoms of anxiety and depression only in women without PCOS. Trial registration number: Clinical trial.gov: NCT01319162, March 18, 2011. Date of registration and enrolment of the first subject September 2011.