A comparison of the manifestation of psychopathic traits between women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts 5-10% of women of reproductive age and is characterized by increased testosterone, psychological distress, and dampened affect. However, little research exists into wider personality traits associated with increased testosterone, such as psychopathy. As such, psychopathic traits in a community sample of women with (n=82) and without (n=85) PCOS were compared using MANOVA. No group differences were found in any facet of psychopathy (interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, anti-social behavior). The null results reported here increase our knowledge pertaining to personality in women with PCOS, particularly with relation to historically-deviant personalities, such as psychopathy.