A new study suggests that women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome may face an increased risk of suicide.
New research suggests that women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) might face an increased risk of attempting suicide. PCOS is a common health condition believed to affect approximately one in 10 women in the UK, though many cases go undiagnosed.
PCOS brings along symptoms like irregular periods, acne, obesity, and ovarian cysts, making it a significant cause of infertility, as noted by the World Health Organization.
A recent extensive study conducted by researchers in Taiwan has shed light on a potential link between PCOS and a higher likelihood of suicide attempts. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, delved into nationwide data from 8,960 women and girls aged 12 to 64 diagnosed with PCOS. The data covered a period from 1997 to 2012, and none of the participants had a history of suicide attempts.
After considering various factors such as psychiatric disorders, other health conditions, and demographics, the research team found that those with PCOS faced an 8.47-fold higher risk of attempting suicide compared to women without PCOS but with otherwise similar characteristics. This discovery underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health challenges that may be associated with PCOS.
When the team looked at the results based on age, they discovered that the likelihood of suicide attempts was 5.38 times higher for teenagers, 9.15 times higher for adults under 40, and 3.75 times higher for older adults, compared to those without these issues.
The researchers behind the study propose that worries about PCOS consequences, like potential infertility and concerns about body image, might be some of the reasons behind these findings.
They explain that concerns about how one looks, including feeling overweight and dealing with acne, have been linked to a higher risk of suicide during adolescence. These issues are quite common among teenagers with PCOS. Additionally, young adults may face more challenges like joblessness, financial problems, and difficulties in relationships.
Interestingly, the increased risk seems to decrease in older adults. The team speculates that this could be because the symptoms of PCOS might improve with age.
It's important to note that the study has its limitations. It can't definitively prove cause and effect, and it couldn't consider all potential factors that might complicate the results. Nevertheless, this isn't the first research suggesting a connection between PCOS and suicide.
Dr. Sophie Williams from the University of Derby, who wasn't part of the new study, mentioned that several studies in recent years have found similar results. Her own research has also raised concerns about self-harm and thoughts of suicide among women with PCOS.
We understand that women dealing with PCOS are more prone to experiencing depression and anxiety – this has been consistently demonstrated in various research papers," she explained.
While Williams mentioned several potential reasons, such as differences in certain brain areas associated with PCOS, she emphasized that only a few studies have delved into exploring these possible pathways.
PCOS is a significantly under-researched field in general, and mental health aspects within it are even more lacking in research," she stated.
Nevertheless, Williams highlighted the importance of women with PCOS facing challenges to recognize that they can seek help, including through the NHS.
Taking that initial step can be tough, but it has the potential to be a life-changing decision," she added.