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The Psychology of PCOS: Building the Science and Breaking the Silence
The Psychology of PCOS combines cutting-edge psychological and social science research with compelling personal stories to provide a roadmap for researchers and mental health providers.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and psychological. PCOS can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, insulin resistance, excess and male patterned body hair, and is strongly associated with depression and anxiety. PCOS affects everything from one’s self-conception and identity, to social relationships, intimacy and sexuality, to physical and mental health. Yet the literature has been largely silent regarding the personal and psychosocial experiences of those with PCOS.
Using clear and compelling language, the author promotes a wider understanding of PCOS, calls attention to areas of research need, offers insight to mental health providers whose clients suffer from PCOS, and aims to inspire more positive outcomes for individuals with PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and psychological. PCOS can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, insulin resistance, excess and male patterned body hair, and is strongly associated with depression and anxiety. PCOS affects everything from one’s self-conception and identity, to social relationships, intimacy and sexuality, to physical and mental health. Yet the literature has been largely silent regarding the personal and psychosocial experiences of those with PCOS.
Using clear and compelling language, the author promotes a wider understanding of PCOS, calls attention to areas of research need, offers insight to mental health providers whose clients suffer from PCOS, and aims to inspire more positive outcomes for individuals with PCOS.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
193 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 31, 2023
I am so glad that I was able to get my hands on a copy of this book. As someone with PCOS and a Masters Degree in experimental psychology, I found this book to be informative on multiple levels. I don’t personally know anyone else with PCOS, so I was able to learn more about myself by relating to the individual experiences of those interviewed for this book. Additionally, learning about the lack of psychological research of PCOS has motivated me to seek out opportunities to contribute to the development of the psychology of PCOS. I highly recommend this book to anyone with PCOS and anyone who knows, interacts, or has a relationship with an individual with PCOS.
At the beginning of every chapter, the author, Stacey L. Williams, Ph.D., selects a quote that speaks to the subject matter within it. I would like to share my favorite from Chapter 5: Psychological Risk and Growth in PCOS.
“Those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable women; those of us who have been forged in the crucibles of difference—those of us who are poor, who are lesbians, who are Black, who are older—know that survival is not an academic skill…It is learning how to take our differences and make them strengths.”
—Audre Lorde (1984, p. 112), “Sister Outsider”
At the beginning of every chapter, the author, Stacey L. Williams, Ph.D., selects a quote that speaks to the subject matter within it. I would like to share my favorite from Chapter 5: Psychological Risk and Growth in PCOS.
“Those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable women; those of us who have been forged in the crucibles of difference—those of us who are poor, who are lesbians, who are Black, who are older—know that survival is not an academic skill…It is learning how to take our differences and make them strengths.”
—Audre Lorde (1984, p. 112), “Sister Outsider”
November 12, 2024
A must read for not only people with PCOS but the public in general. Given the prevalence of this syndrome, more people need to be aware and understand what PCOS is. Very insightful.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews