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Psychological Issues and Their Treatment

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Diagnosis and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Most physicians recognize that common features of PCOS, from menstrual irregularities and infertility to hirsutism and obesity, can be highly distressing. However, relatively few researchers have systematically studied the psychological consequences of PCOS: Of nearly 2900 PubMed citations on PCOS appearing since 2000, only about 2% focused on mental health issues. In this chapter, we aim to heighten awareness of the disruptive impact of PCOS on adjustment and to suggest treatment approaches that incorporate the psychological domain.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Licensed Psychologist, Center for Applied Reproductive Science, Johnson City, TN, &, Asheville, NC, USA

    Melissa J. Himelein

Authors
  1. Melissa J. Himelein
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  2. Samuel S. Thatcher
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Correspondence to Melissa J. Himelein .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The London Endocrine Clinic, 21 Wimpole Street, WIG 8GG, London, UK

    Nadir R. Farid

  2. University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece

    Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis

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Himelein, M.J., Thatcher, S.S. (2009). Psychological Issues and Their Treatment. In: Farid, N.R., Diamanti-Kandarakis, E. (eds) Diagnosis and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09718-3_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09718-3_15

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