Research

PCOS: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Justifying Underlying Motivation in Adolescents: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Protocol Description

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an interventional therapy designed to increase healthy behaviors can have a positive impact on adolescents with polyscystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The interventional study focuses on improving eating habits, physical activity and mood, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change thoughts, feelings and behavior. PCOS, along with an increased risk for irregular periods, infertility, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, obesity and sleep disturbances, can make girls more at risk for depression. Researchers believe techniques used in this study may prove to be helpful to adolescents with weight concerns and mood disturbances.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain screening criteria, this study is enrolling girls and young women between the ages of 11 and 21 who have been diagnosed with PCOS, have a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th or higher percentile and are being treated for PCOS at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Females: Ages 11 to 21
Males: Not applicable

Requirements
Over the course of the study 11 CBT sessions will be provided. Each session will consist of 30 to 45 minutes of motivational intervention and 15 to 30 minutes of physical activity and weigh-ins. Participants will be asked to wear an armband for a specific period of time, enabling the recording of physical movement and sleep patterns. During sessions 1, 4 and 8, interested family members will be invited to participate.
Visits: 11
Duration: 6 months

Status: Open for Enrollment

Sources of Support
National Institutes of Health
The Office of Research on Women’s Health, Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health