Social and Psychological Aspects - Communicating with Our Patients

Abstract

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder with its worldwide prevalence being almost 20%, affecting women throughout every stage of their lives and is well known for its multifactorial nature. Due to its variation in phenotype, a delay in the diagnosis and hence treatment, adds to the woes of PCOS girls and women, who are already harrowed by its distressing symptoms. Hence depression, anxiety, mood, and mental health disorders are strongly prevalent in women with PCOS. Body shaming and negative body image have a profound impact on the quality of life of women with cosmetic issues. On the other hand, women with infertility have many social issues especially in countries wherein fertility is considered as a bane for women leading to depression and anxiety. Hence, decoding the relationship between mental health and PCOS can help address and improve psycho-social outcomes in such women. Counselling and communication along with evidence based behavioural interventions is the need of the hour to help PCOS women cope with their issues. Along with lifestyle counselling programs, flexible psychological counselling with an individualized approach can promote positive mental health in women with PCOS, whilst management of their physical health is commenced. In India, the PCOS Society of India, has created an organized Awareness Program called “Vijeyata-the winner” for women through Physical Sessions, Webinars, social media, YouTube Videos, supported by a grant, which educates women on the subject. The sessions also assess their knowledge through a poll conducted via pre and post sessions and helps them suspect whether they may be at risk of PCOS and encourages them to see their physicians for their problems. The details of this program will be discussed during this Session.