Study Finds Increase Risk of Depression tied to Birth Control

(CBS LOS ANGELES) An estimated 60 percent of women use birth control in the U.S. and new research has found it could be putting them at an increased risk of depression.

Millions of women worldwide use hormonal contraceptives. Now a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds a these 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

Researchers looked at data on more than a million girls and women ages 15 to 35 in Denmark. The study found adolescents were at the greatest risk.

I think for the adolescents 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

Doctors say the study doesn't change whether hormonal contraceptives should be prescribed to women, but the link is something clinicians and *patients* should be aware of.

Women if they do develop signs of mild depression should interface with their provider.

Doctors say more research is needed to prove the link.