Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Gender differences in the relationship between prescription opioid misuse and depressive symptoms and suicidality
Nancy M H Pontes1, Cynthia Ayres1, Mary Wunnenberg1
1School of Nursing, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ.
Background:
Prescription opioid misuse and suicide among adolescents are significant health challenges.
Purpose:
This study investigated whether effects of prescription opioid misuse on depressive symptoms and suicidality are greater among female than male students.
Methods:
Using the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 14,765), this research estimated additive interactions using risk differences as well as multiplicative interactions using odds ratios.
Discussion:
Results showed prescription opioid misuse was associated with significantly greater risks among females than males for depressive symptoms (31.1% vs. 20.8%), suicidal ideation (27.3% vs. 19.1%), suicide attempts (18.1% vs. 11.9%) and suicide attempts requiring treatment (8.5% vs. 4.4%). In contrast, multiplicative interactions using odds ratios were all nonsignificant.
Conclusions:
Among students who misused prescription opioids, females compared to males had much higher average predicted margins of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide attempts requiring treatment. Screening for depression and suicidality among adolescents who misuse prescription opioids, and vice versa, is paramount.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Bullying
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Panic Disorder

