Abstract: Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrinopathy
among premenopausal women accompanied by symptoms like hirsutism, acne,
alopecia and infertility. Up to now, psychological aspects are insufficiently clarified. Method: 33 women with PCOS were assessed with the Symptom-Checklist
(SCL-90-R), Questions on life satisfaction (FLZ) and the Essener Coping
Questionnaire (EFK). Besides an overall view, subgroups were created (case
definition SCL-90-R; attendance at a self-help group) for realizing further analyses. Results: On average, the subjects were less satisfied with their own person, their health
and by trend with their life in general. In the total
sample, the SCL-90-R scales were inconspicuous. The use of the case definition
leads to a considerable percentage of women with psychological distress
(42.4%). These women were less satisfied with their health, own person,
sexuality and life in general. They show more depressive and less active and
problemoriented coping styles. Differences could be proved between self-help group participants and nonparticipants, considering coping styles but not the
extent of psychological distress and the life satisfaction. Conclusion: In anticipation of psychological consequences for a part of women concerned, an
examination of PCOS considering psychological aspects seems to be necessary. In
this connection, coping styles play an important role.
Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, psychological distress, life satisfaction, coping
