How Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Manage Anxiety: A Qualitative Study of Self-Help Lifestyle Strategies
Keywords:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, anxiety, coping strategies, lifestyle managementAbstract
This study aimed to explore the self-help lifestyle strategies employed by women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to manage anxiety in the absence of formal psychological interventions. A qualitative research design was used, employing an interpretative phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of 25 women diagnosed with PCOS in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth formats. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Inclusion criteria required participants to have a PCOS diagnosis for at least one year and to report experiencing anxiety symptoms, while those undergoing formal psychiatric treatment were excluded. Four primary themes emerged from the data: (1) Emotional Self-Regulation, which included practices such as mindfulness, journaling, prayer, and cognitive reframing; (2) Physical Health-Oriented Strategies, encompassing dietary changes, physical activity, sleep regulation, and symptom monitoring; (3) Social and Relational Strategies, involving peer support, selective disclosure, boundary setting, and communication with intimate partners; and (4) Informational and Planning Strategies, including personal research, use of health tracking apps, and structured daily routines. Participants emphasized autonomy, spiritual coping, and culturally relevant adaptations in managing anxiety. These strategies often compensated for perceived gaps in psychological support within the healthcare system. Women with PCOS adopt multifaceted, self-initiated lifestyle strategies to manage anxiety, reflecting both adaptive resilience and systemic gaps in mental health care. Integrating psychosocial support into PCOS treatment plans is essential to address the emotional burden of the condition, especially in culturally sensitive contexts where mental health stigma and limited access to formal therapy prevail.
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