[Hormonal contraceptive use, depression and suicide].
Abir Khalil Bchtawi, Bashayir Said Muse Issa, Ella Fabricius Jørgensen
1Oejvind.Lidegaard@regionh.dk.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|June 26, 2020
Summary
Hormonal contraceptives are linked to mood disorders like depression and suicide attempts, especially in adolescents. Further research and careful prescribing are recommended to address these serious psychological side effects.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Hormonal contraception is a prevalent method for young women.
- Mood changes are recognized side effects, but serious mood disorders are under-researched.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between hormonal contraceptive use and depression, suicide attempts, and suicide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between hormonal contraceptive use and serious mood disorders.
- To highlight the heightened risk in adolescent populations.
- To advocate for increased clinical attention to psychological side effects.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes findings from recent investigations.
- Focus is placed on reported associations and relative risks.
Main Results:
- Hormonal contraceptive use is associated with increased risks of depression, suicide attempts, and suicide.
- Adolescents appear to be at the highest relative risk for these adverse psychological outcomes.
- All types of hormonal contraceptive methods may impact women's mood.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for greater awareness and research into the psychological side effects of hormonal contraceptives.
- Clinicians should exercise increased caution when prescribing these methods, particularly to adolescents.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and management of mood-related side effects is warranted.
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