Research Links Contraceptives To Increased Risk Of Depression

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- New research has linked hormonal contraceptives to an increased risk for depression in what is being called a landmark study.

Research from other studies have had mixed results but this research published in September's issue of The Journal Of The American Medical Association Psychiatry shows there is a clear link between contraceptives that contain hormones and depression, especially among adolescents.

Many contraceptives for women contain hormones.

This new JAMA study finds birth control methods such as pills or implants may increase the risk of depression.

"They found that there was about a 23 percent increase compared to non-users of hormonal contraception in terms of depression diagnosis or use of antidepressants," said Dr. James Liu who was one of the study's researchers.

The researchers looked at data on more than one million girls and women ages 15 to 35 in Denmark.

The study found adolescents were at the greatest risk.

"The cognitive development is not as mature as women who are older and relationship issues may be more prevalent in the population so I think that sort of reflects that trend," said Dr. Liu who is also the Obstetrics and Gynecology Chair at Cleveland Medical Center.

Doctors say more research is needed to prove the link, but doctors and patient should watch for symptoms.

"Women, if they do develop signs of mild depression, should interface with their provider," advised Dr. Liu.

It's estimated that about 60 percent of women of reproductive age use contraception in the United States with birth control pills being the most common method.