Experience of mental health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a descriptive phenomenological study

Figures & data

Table 1. Outline of the interview.

1. Please share with me your thoughts and experiences related to the diagnosis and treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

2. Can you describe how PCOS affects you? (Physically, psycho-emotionally, and in terms of quality of life)

3. How have you coped with the impacts of PCOS on you? (Physically, psycho-emotionally, and in terms of quality of life)

4. What is your perspective on the impact of PCOS on your life?

5. How has the support from your husband/family/friends been since your diagnosis with PCOS?

6. What kind of help do you need now to manage the effects of PCOS on your life?

Table 2. Characteristics of participants.

Characteristics	Women with PCOS (n = 14)
Age range (years)	19–35
BMI range (Kg/m^2)	18.82–29.38
Studying/working
Studying	5
Working	9
Educational level
Less than Junior High School degree	3
High school degree	4
Undergraduate	5
Graduate student and above	2
Marital status
Never married	7
Married	11
Duration of menstrual disorders(years)
No	2
<5	8
5–10	5
>10	3
Duration of diagnosis of PCOS (years)
<1	6
1–5	8
>5	4
Childbearing needs
No	10
Yes	8

Table 3. Themes and sub-themes identified in interviews.

Themes	Sub-Themes
1. Negative Mental Health Status	1.1. Menstrual Disorders and Infertility as Sources of Anxiety
	1.2. Body Image Dissatisfaction Induces Psychological Distress
	1.3. Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation
2. Four patterns of emotion regulation	2.1. High Emotion Regulation Self-Efficacy Reduces Psychological Distress
	2.2. Low Emotion Regulation Self-Efficacy Increases Psychological Distress
	2.3. Emotional Expression Can Relieve Psychological Distress
	2.4. Expressive Suppression Leads to Psychological Distress
3. The Psychological Double-edged Sword: Family Social Network	3.1. Family Tolerance and Support
	3.2. Family Social Network Reaction Force
4. Strong Demand for Psychological Counseling and Lifestyle Guidance.	4.1. Women with PCOS Lack Knowledge of Exercise and Diet
	4.2. Women with PCOS Have Strong Demand for Psychological Help-Seeking.

Data availability statement

Raw qualitative data cannot be shared due to ethical restrictions; however, anonymized transcripts, interview schemes, and coding decisions are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.