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

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

Authors :
Scaruffi, Elisabetta
Franzoi, Isabella Giulia
Civilotti, Cristina
Guglielmucci, Fanny
La Marca, Luana
Tomelini, Michela
Veglia, Fabio
Granieri, Antonella
Source :
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology; Dec2019, Vol. 40 Issue 4, p294-303, 10p
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0167482X
Volume :
40
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
139194333
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2018.1530210