The below blog post has been written by the research team, and details of how to participate in the research can be found at the bottom of this post. Verity have sighted the ethics approval granted for the recruitment of this study.
People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Despite this, the psychological and social impacts of PCOS are often overlooked, and there is limited understanding of what kinds of support individuals with PCOS find helpful – whether from professionals, family, friends, or communities. This study aims to explore the mental health experiences of adults with PCOS and their mental health support-seeking, providing insights to inform more integrated and person-centred care approaches, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and access to mental health support.
About the Study
My name is Katie Marshall, and I am a postgraduate student conducting this research as part of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme at the University of Liverpool. The study has been approved by the Central University Research Ethics Committee and aims to explore the mental health experiences of adults with PCOS, whether and how they have sought support, and the factors that make accessing this support easier or more difficult.
What’s Involved?
- You will be invited to take part in semi-structured interviews for approximately 60 minutes
- Interviews will take place either face-to-face on the University of Liverpool premises or virtually via Microsoft Teams, depending on the participant’s preference
Who Can Take Part?
Inclusion criteria:
- Adults aged between 18 and 45 years
- Assigned female at birth
- Diagnosed with PCOS by a healthcare professional
- Experienced any mental health difficulties that are associated with your PCOS (e.g., either disordered eating, feeling lower in mood or more anxious than usual)
- Understand and speak English
Exclusion criteria:
- History of ovary removal surgery
- Diagnosis of a physical health condition unrelated to PCOS (e.g., endometriosis)
- Currently peri- or postmenopausal
- Pregnancy within the last 6 months
Why Take Part?
As a thank you for your time, you will receive a £20 Amazon voucher after completing the interview. By participating, you will help improve our understanding of the mental health experiences of people with PCOS – insights that may inform future research and increase awareness of the support that is helpful or unhelpful for managing PCOS-related mental health difficulties. This knowledge could guide healthcare professionals and services to provide better care and outcomes for those living with PCOS.
How to Get Involved
Please email me on katie96@liverpool.ac.uk if you would like to take part in the study or want more information!
About the Researcher(s)
As a trainee clinical psychologist, I am interested in how physical health impacts mental wellbeing and ways to remove barriers to accessing psychological support. My own lived experience of PCOS has shaped my passion and continually drives my hope to contribute to research in this area.
Closing & Contact
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to share it with others who may be eligible and interested in participating!
Verity - The PCOS charity 