PCOS and Mental Health: Study Reveals Higher Risk of Depression, Bipolar Disorder

The study, published in the International Journal of Women's Health, revealed that women with polycystic ovary syndrome faced an increased risk of mental health conditions, with a 50% higher likelihood of developing bipolar disorder (HR 1.50), a 24% greater risk of depression (HR 1.24), a 23% higher risk of sleep disorders (HR 1.23), and a 15% increased risk of anxiety (HR 1.15). In contrast, schizophrenia prevalence was lower in this group.

"These findings reinforce the need for regular mental health screening in PCOS patients to facilitate early intervention and comprehensive care," the researchers wrote.

The researchers note that PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women, characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and metabolic complications. While PCOS has been linked to various mental health disorders, research on this association in Korean populations remains limited. To address this gap, Youngjin Kim, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea, and colleagues explore the risk of mental disorders among PCOS patients in Korea, providing valuable insights into their psychological well-being.

For this purpose, the researchers analyzed health insurance billing data from the National Health Insurance Corporation to assess the risk of five mental disorders in PCOS patients. They identified 188,973 individuals with PCOS and compared them with 412,022 control participants. The study examined the prevalence and cumulative incidence of these mental disorders, calculating hazard ratios (HR) for each condition to determine the extent of the association.

The study revealed the following findings:

• PCOS patients had a higher prevalence of depressive disorders (OR 1.208), bipolar disorders (OR 1.403), and anxiety disorders (OR 1.089).
• In contrast, schizophrenia (OR 0.686) and sleep disorders (OR 0.911) were less common in individuals with PCOS.
• The risk of developing depressive disorders (adjusted HR 1.244), bipolar disorders (adjusted HR 1.502), anxiety disorders (adjusted HR 1.147), and sleep disorders (adjusted HR 1.228) was significantly higher in PCOS patients.

The researchers found that PCOS patients face a higher risk of depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, and sleep disorders. Their findings align with international PCOS guidelines that recommend mental health screening for these patients. The study highlights the importance of early identification and intervention.

"While the database had certain limitations, the results emphasize the need for active mental health screening in Korean PCOS patients, considering individual factors like age and obesity to ensure timely and personalized care," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Kim Y, Chae K, Kim S, Kang S, Yoon H, Namkung J. Risk of Mental Disorders in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Retrospective Cohort Study of a Korean Nationwide Population-Based Cohort. Int J Womens Health. 2025;17:627-638. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S490673