Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-15-2025

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Brittania Phillips, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

Committee

Dr. Kimberly Werner, Ph.D.

Dr. Becky Kaufman Lynn, M.D., M.B.A., I.F., A.C.O.G., N.C.M.P., Dipl. ABOM

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder that affects up to 20% of women of reproductive age and is associated with an increased prevalence of psychiatric conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. Despite international guidelines recommending routine screening for these mental health conditions in women with PCOS, consistent implementation in clinical practice remains limited.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) pilot project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing a standardized screening protocol for depression and anxiety within a suburban concierge OB-GYN clinic specializing in women’s reproductive and sexual health using validated tools—the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). This QI project aimed to identify and refer women with PCOS who exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety. Utilizing a prospective descriptive observational design, this project assessed adult female patients diagnosed with PCOS.

Results: Five participants (N = 5) were screened over four months, resulting in two psychiatric referrals. While the small sample size limited generalizability and statistical significance, the project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of integrating routine mental health screenings into standard PCOS care.

Implications for Practice: The findings did not align with current literature due to the small sample size. However, they emphasize the significance of routine psychological screening in improving the quality of care for the PCOS population. This pilot project provides a model for future implementation in broader and more diverse clinical settings to improve the identification and treatment of the co-occurring psychiatric symptoms in women with PCOS and support evidence-based practice.

Download

Share

COinS