Volume : 13, Issue : 04, April – 2026
Title:
ROLE OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST IN MANAGING ANXIETY AMONG PCOD PATIENTS WITHOUT ANXIOLYTICS A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY IN THE GYNAECOLOGY WARD
Authors :
Chidre Harsha, Kethavath Divya, Rathod Rajeshwari, Dr. P. Soma Shekhar
Abstract :
Background:
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting 5–13% of reproductive-age women globally. Anxiety disorders are significantly comorbid with PCOD, affecting approximately 34–57% of patients, driven by hormonal dysregulation, body image concerns, and chronic illness burden. Despite this, pharmacological anxiolytic therapy carries risks of dependence, sedation, and potential drug interactions, making non-pharmacological management strategies essential. Clinical pharmacists, with their expertise in drug therapy management and patient counselling, are uniquely positioned to implement evidence-based, non-drug interventions for anxiety management.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of clinical pharmacist-led non-pharmacological interventions in reducing anxiety levels among PCOD patients admitted to the gynaecology ward, without the use of anxiolytic medications.
Methodology: A prospective interventional (pre-post) study was conducted over 2 months in the gynaecology ward of ESI Hospital. A sample of 60 PCOD patients with clinically significant anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥5) was enrolled .Clinical pharmacist-led interventions including structured patient counselling, psychoeducation, sleep hygiene guidance, breathing exercises, and lifestyle modification support was provided. Anxiety will be assessed at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks using the GAD-7 scale.
Expected Outcome: Significant reduction in GAD-7 anxiety scores following clinical pharmacist intervention. This study will provide evidence supporting the expanded role of clinical pharmacists in holistic patient care within gynaecology settings.
Keywords: PCOD, PCOS, Anxiety, Clinical Pharmacist, Non-pharmacological intervention, GAD-7, Gynaecology ward, Psychoeducation, Counselling
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Chidre Harsha et al., Role Of Clinical Pharmacist In Managing Anxiety Among Pcod Patients Without Anxiolytics A Prospective Interventional Study In The Gynaecology Ward , Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(04).
REFERENCES:
1. Abdollahi L, Mirghafourvand M, Babapour JK, Mehdinajad M. Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomised clinical trial. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2021;42(2):152–162.
2. Alderman CP, McCarthy L, Marwood A. Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A review with particular reference to guidelines and RCT evidence. Drugs Context. 2022;11:2021-11-3.
3. Azziz R, Carmina E, Chen Z, Dunaif A, Laven JS, Legro RS, et al. Polycystic ovary syndromes. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16057. [Cited for PCOD background context]
4. Berni TR, Morgan CL, Berni ER, Rees DA. Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with adverse mental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(6):2116–2125.
5. Brutocao C, Zaiem F, Alsawas M, Morrow AS, Murad MH, Javed A. Psychiatric disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine. 2018;62(2):318–325.
6. Cooney LG, Dokras A. Depression and anxiety in polycystic ovary syndrome: Etiology and treatment. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(11):83.
7. Cooney LG, Lee I, Sammel MD, Dokras A. High prevalence of moderate and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(5):1075–1091.
8. Cooney LG, Dokras A. Beyond fertility: Polycystic ovary syndrome and long-term health consequences. Fertil Steril. 2018;110(5):794–809.
9. Crespo-Gonzalez C, Fernandez-Llimos F, Rotta I, Correr CJ, Varas-Doval R, Garcia-Cardenas V. Characterization of pharmacists’ interventions in asthma management: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2020;60(3):581–593.
10. Deswal R, Narwal V, Dang A, Pundir CS. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome: A brief systematic review. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2020;13(4):261–271.
11. Greenwood EA, Pasch LA, Shinkai K, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. To better understand PCOS and its psychological impact on women’s health, we need better measures. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(8):e2887–e2888.
12. Krabbenborg IK, Geenen R, van Buuren S, et al. Overweight and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2022;23(1):e13356.
13. World Health Organization (WHO). Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030. Geneva: WHO; 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240031029