Investigating the Association between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Eating Disorder Symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal condition that affects about one in ten women* of childbearing age. Current estimations indicate that women* with PCOS are around three times more likely to have an eating disorder compared to women* without PCOS. This research programme will explore the lived experiences of women* with both PCOS and eating disorders to examine how the symptoms and management of PCOS may increase risk for eating disorders. First, interviews and focus groups will be used to investigate women*’s perspectives on why and how PCOS and eating disorders might be linked. Second, influential PCOS podcasts will be studied to explore lived and professional experiences with symptom management. A technique called “podcast ethnography” will be used to explore how the PCOS experiences discussed might be relevant to eating disorder development, continuation, and recovery. Finally, insights gathered from the preceding studies will be used to design and launch an online survey for women* with PCOS and eating disorders to test the developed theories around PCOS-specific eating disorder risks. Findings from this project will have implications for person-centred eating disorder prevention and treatment.
Source: Medical Research Foundation
