Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in improving the functioning of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting a significant number of women of reproductive age. The experience of PCOS can negatively affect women’s psychosexual health and impair their quality of life in various spheres. Women with PCOS may need expert care not only medically, but also psychologically. According to current guidelines for the treatment of women with PCOS, specialists recommend a multifaceted approach, providing interdisciplinary care. Due to the diversity of phenotypes of the syndrome, it is important to individually tailor both medical and psychological management according to the needs of the individual patient. To improve mental health in women with PCOS, it is recommended to consider behavioural or cognitive-behavioural interventions. Material and methods: A review of the literature in the databases EBSCO, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsychInfo was carried out in relation to the psychological interventions provided, including cognitive-behavioural approaches targeted at adolescent and adult women with PCOS in terms of their effectiveness in improving psychosexual health. Results: Despite the higher risk of depressive disorders, anxiety and eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction among women with PCOS, there is still little evidence-based research on effective psychological support methods. The results of the analyses conducted so far on the basis of different protocols indicate the probable effectiveness of short-term structured cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in improving the mental health and health-related quality of life of adolescent and adult women with PCOS. There is a lack of research on the impact of implemented solutions on the sexual health of women with PCOS. Further randomised clinical trials are needed to better understand the mechanism of change and the persistence of the effects achieved over time or to consider the use of new therapeutic approaches and technologies. Conclusions: CBT, either as a monotherapy or as a component of implemented interventions, is an effective method of reducing the symptoms of the disorders experienced and contributes to improving the quality of life of those receiving this form of therapy. Due to its short duration, it may become an interesting and more accessible solution not only for women with PCOS and mental health professionals, but also for the institutions that fund it. The data collected and presented in this article, as well as the protocols for therapeutic management, can be an important guideline for professionals to facilitate their psychotherapeutic work with this group of patients.