Body image, personality profiles and alexithymia in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 294 - 303
• Main Authors: Scaruffi, Elisabetta, Franzoi, Isabella Giulia, Civilotti, Cristina, Guglielmucci, Fanny, La Marca, Luana, Tomelini, Michela, Veglia, Fabio, Granieri, Antonella
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02.10.2019; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: alexithymia; body image; MMPI-2; personality; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Polycystic ovary syndrome; MMPI-2; alexithymia; body image; personality
• ISSN: 0167-482X; 1743-8942
• DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2018.1530210

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder. It affects women's physical well-being and leads to great psychological distress. Indeed, women with PCOS show a compromised quality of life as well as impaired emotional well-being. The aim of this study is to assess personality characteristics, body image and alexithymia in women with PCOS. Materials and methods: A total of 59 women with PCOS and 38 healthy controls were administered the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Results: The PCOS group showed higher values of alexithymia and a higher body uneasiness. They also showed higher values on many clinical, content and supplementary scales of the MMPI-2. Discussion: It seems that physical appearance and bodily function have a central place in the minds of women with PCOS, as well as in their relationships. However, it is a body they find it hard to feel and with which they mostly feel uncomfortable. Their approach to the outside world seems to be characterized by a certain degree of immaturity, anger, hostility and distrust. Low self-esteem also seems to be connected to a certain tendency toward introversion and withdrawal. This leads to problems in social, professional and intimate relationships.