One study found that women who currently use oral contraceptives have lower rates of depression than women who previously used them. The study, which included 6,239 American women, suggests that reduced pregnancy concerns and potential “survivor bias” may explain this difference.
Researchers analyzed data from 6,239 women in the United States in the new study.
A recent study revealed that women who use oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are less likely to experience depression.
The study analyzed data from 6,239 U.S. women between the ages of 18 and 55. They found that current OCP users had a significantly lower rate of major depression at 4.6%, compared to 11.4% for women who had previously used OCPs.
The study was led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), along with experts from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and the University of California, Davis.
Possible explanations and observations
The researchers suggest two possible explanations for the study results that run counter to the commonly held belief that OCPs can cause depression.
One is that taking the pill relieves anxiety about unwanted pregnancies and helps OCP users improve their mental health. The results may also have been influenced by “survivor bias,” where women who experienced signs of depression while using OCPs stopped taking them and were placed in the category of former users.
This cross-sectional study used data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and controlled for demographic characteristics, chronic conditions, and antidepressant use.
Among both users and former users, women who were widowed, divorced or separated, obese, or had a history of cancer were more likely to report depression. Additionally, among former users, depression was more commonly reported among women who were black or Hispanic, smoked, had lower education, or experienced poverty.
Meaning and comments
Dr Julia Gawronska, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “Contraception is an important component of preventive health care. Most women tolerate oral contraceptives without experiencing symptoms of depression, but some women experience unpleasant side effects and even depression. It is possible to develop a disease, and the reasons for this are not entirely clear.
“Unlike some previous studies, we found that women currently taking oral contraceptives reported more clinically relevant depression than women who previously took oral contraceptives. Turns out it’s much less likely.
“Taking the pill may have positive mental health effects for some women simply by relieving them of anxiety about pregnancy. A ‘survivor effect’ may also be at play. Women who experience symptoms of depression are more likely to stop taking the drug, placing them in a group of former users.
“However, stopping the pill without a suitable alternative increases the risk of unplanned pregnancy. Make sure women are well supported, well informed and provided with alternative contraceptive methods if necessary.” It is important that it be done.”
References: “The Association between Oral Contraceptive Use and Depression in U.S. Women” by Julia Gawronska, Katherine Meese, Lee Smith, Chao Cao, Nan Wang, and Susan Walker, October 11, 2023. Affective Disorders Journal.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.041
Source: scitechdaily.com
