Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and severity of emotional problems among Polish women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and seek factors which increase the risk of their occurrence. Material and methods:The study group consisted of 82 women (aged 18-48), who were diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria. During hospitalization, the patients completed a number of questionnaires, providing their sociodemographic data and information concerning the inconvenience of disease-associated symptoms. The questionnaires included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI). Data obtained during medical examinations (blood tests, transvaginal ultrasound, height and body mass measurements) were analyzed.Results: Out of 82 women, the results detected risk for depression in 42 (51.22%), mild depressive disorders in 32, moderate disorders in 8, and severe disorder in 2 patients. No statistically significant correlation between BDI or state anxiety and the level of the analyzed hormones, insulin resistance, or infertility treatment, was found. General self-esteem, trait anxiety, and marital status were associated with the occurrence of depression symptoms. BMI was associated with the level of state anxiety during hospitalization. Conclusions:Women with PCOS are at risk for mood and anxiety disorders. Disease-related somatic factors are not directly associated with the risk for disorder occurrence. However, severity of depression symptoms has been shown to be influenced by permanent psychological characteristics of the studied women, i.e. self-esteem, trait anxiety, and life situation (marital status). Therefore, it is recommended to include interviews about patient life situation and screening questionnaires for assessing depression into the diagnostic procedures in PCOS patients. Patients should be referred for a psychological or psychiatric consultation, if needed.

Introduction. Alcohol, together with drug use such as marijuana, is a major health concern that may influence the life of both doctors and medicine students. It is therefore important to investigate their habits associated with those hazardous behaviors.Material and methods. A voluntary survey containing 12 questions regarding their drinking habits and marijuana use was sent to law and medicine students from two cities in Poland, Poznan and Lublin. 814 responses were collected and the results were compiled using STATISTICA 10 program.Results. Mean age of alcohol initiation was revealed to be very similar in all groups at below 16 years of age. Although majority of students drink less than once a week (41% male and 65.7% female), men were found to use alcohol much more frequently and in higher quantities than female students. Half of future doctors would stop at the lowest stage on a proposed alcohol intoxication scale, while 11.6% would venture to the highest, third one. Those values for law students were 36.2% and 26%, respectively. 70% of men and 52.9% of women have tried marijuana. Majority of them smoke less than once a month, but almost a quarter of law students and 15% of medicine students do it at least once a month.Conclusions. More emphasis should be put on educating future doctors and general public about dangers associated with hazardous drinking and cannabis use. Prevention of such behaviors should be conducted at an age as young as possible.