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JOHNSON CITY – From infertility and insulin resistance to depression and anxiety, those afflicted with polycystic ovary syndrome endure many unpleasant symptoms.

Scholarly literature has been mostly silent on the personal experiences of those who suffer from this condition, known as PCOS.

East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Stacey Williams aims to change that in “The Psychology of PCOS: Building the Science and Breaking the Silence,” a new book published earlier this year by the American Psychological Association.

“In writing this book, I felt an immense privilege to have been entrusted with the stories of the 50 individuals living with PCOS that I interviewed,” said Williams. “In this book, I weave their stories alongside cutting-edge psychological and social science research in order to explain what we know and don’t know about PCOS.”

A professor in the Department of Psychology, Williams is a respected researcher whose work has spanned a range of issues, including the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in Appalachia, stigma and health.

Her latest work has earned rave reviews from psychologists and fellow scholars across the United States. One writer called it an “exceptional, thought-provoking and beautifully written book that humanizes the lived experiences of people with PCOS.”

“While ultimately this book provides a roadmap for researchers, mental health providers and advocates, my hope is that individuals living with PCOS can also see themselves within the lived experiences of others with the condition included in the book,” said Williams.