Download or read book PCOS T.A.C.T. written by Rachel Niemi and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic illness affecting many women of all ages, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. PCOS has lifelong consequences related to both medical and mental illness. PCOS can greatly affect many aspects of a women's reproductive and metabolic health which can lead to long term issues such as diabetes, infertility, and cancer. Many of the women diagnosed with PCOS are also struggling with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, poor body image, and other mood disorders. Despite the fact that PCOS has been linked to mental health issues, there is a general lack of awareness and understanding of the syndrome in the mental health community. As more and more research reveals the prevalence and severity of mental health issues related to PCOS, the need for psychosocial support and treatment needs to be examined. The purpose of PCOS T.A.C.T. is to create an initial foundation for the understanding and treatment of PCOS in the mental health field. A strong foundation is needed to promote awareness and understanding so that treatments for PCOS can be designed effectively and collaboratively. To inform the need for such a program a needs analysis was conducted utilizing both the available literature and public online support group forums. Both the literature review and the needs analysis revealed that psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings correlated with the physical symptoms of PCOS. The literature revealed a need for collaboration and holistic care.