Clinician vs Self-ratings of Hirsutism in Patients With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Associations With Quality of Life and Depression

Importance Qualitative evidence suggests that hirsutism inflicts significant negative impacts on quality of life and may be associated with depression. Quantitative research is essential to determine best practices in caring for hirsute patients. Objective To quantify quality-of-life impact of hirsutism and evaluate how the degree of hirsutism (as assessed by patients and clinicians) is associated with quality of life and depressive symptoms. Design, Setting, Participants This study included 229 patients aged 14 to 52 years consecutively recruited from a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) clinic between May 18, 2006, and October 25, 2012, who met the Rotterdam PCOS criteria. Data analysis was completed July 2015, and alterations were completed in response to reviewer comments in January 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinicians and patients rated degree of hirsutism using the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) instrument, a visual scoring method assessing androgen-dependent hair growth in 9 body areas. Hirsutism-related quality of life was assessed using the Skindex-16, a validated quality of life instrument for skin disorders. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast screen. Results Overall, 229 patients aged 14 to 52 years who met the Rotterdam criteria for polycystic ovarian syndrome rated themselves and were rated by clinicians for hirsutism. Total mean self-rated mFG score for patients was 13.3 out of a total 36 possible points; total mean clinician-rated mFG score for patients was 8.63 ( P r  = 0.19-0.46) were more strongly associated than clinician ratings ( r  = 0.14-0.32)( P r  = 0.14; P Conclusions and Relevance There is notable discordance in the perception of hirsutism between patients and clinicians; patients view their hirsutism as more severe than clinicians do. Quality-of-life impacts of hirsutism are consistent with that reported for other serious skin conditions. This negative impact is only partially associated with the degree of hirsutism, with self-ratings being more highly associated with quality of life impact than clinician ratings. These results support guidelines recommending that treatment be guided largely by patient distress with hair growth and subjective perceptions as opposed to clinician judgment of degree. Patient self-rating is critical information for patient-centered care for hirsute patients.