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

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.