Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Exploratory Study of a Screening Measure for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Quality of  
Life Assessment, and Neuropsychological Evaluation  
 
Version: 0 Date: 18 Oct 2019  
 
Reviewer: Roger Hart  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
i am a reproductiev endocrinologist so I am unable to comment on the psychological assessment 
tools used, however I have si gnificant concerns as to how PCOS was diagnosed. In 2018 the 
international PCOS guidelines were published: Recommendations from the international 
evidence -based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. 
Teede HJ, Misso ML, C ostello MF, Dokras A, Laven J, Moran L, Piltonen T, Norman RJ; 
International PCOS Network. Fertil Steril. 2018 Aug;110(3):364 -379. doi: 
10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.004. (published in the three leading endocrinology journals 
synchronously)  
This is not refe renced in the paper and indeed it does not appear a recognized validated tool to 
assess for PCOS was employed - hence the applicability of the study is under question. i am sure 
there are some important correlations / associations that can be derived subseq uent to the initial 
screening, however I am concerned about a paper which would be expected to have a significant 
impact on patients with PCOS being published without it being clear what features of PCOS are 
associated with the negative psychological / neu rological outcomes.  
 
other factors needing to be amended is that in line 32 "in most cases leads to infertility unless 
treated" - again this is an unhelpful message for patients as many do conceive spontaneously.  
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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