Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Emotional Distress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Emotional distress is common among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may adversely affect their overall psychological well-being. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proposed as an effective intervention for improving emotional functioning in this population. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in reducing emotional distress in women with PCOS. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Thirty women diagnosed with PCOS in Kermanshah in 2025 were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Emotional distress was assessed using the Simmons and Gaher Emotional Distress Questionnaire (2005). The experimental group participated in eight 45-minute CBT sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS version 26. Results: Compared with the control group, CBT significantly reduced overall emotional distress and yielded significant improvements in distress tolerance, emotional absorption, negative emotion appraisal, and emotion regulation in women with PCOS (p < 0.01). Conclusions: CBT was associated with reduced emotional distress and improved emotion regulation in women with PCOS, underscoring its potential clinical value as a psychological intervention in this population.