Debunking Myths: Oral Contraceptive Pill Shows Association with Reduced Depression Rates

A recent research has shown that women activity using oral contraceptive pills have reported lower depression rates compared to past users. The research, which included 6,239 American women, suggests that reduction in worry over possible pregnancies as well as a possible 'survivor bias' might explain this difference.

The research indicated that women who were taking oral contraceptive pills were less likely to suffer from depression.

This research scrutinized data from 6,239 women in the United States, aged between 18 and 55. The findings revealed that occurrence of major depression in women who were still using oral contraceptive pills was significantly lower at 4.6%, compared to 11.4% among those who had previously used the pills.

The research was spearheaded by scholars at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), with contributions from experts at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and the University of California, Davis.

The scholars provide possible rationale for these findings, which contradicts the commonly held belief that contraceptive pills may result in depression.

One possibility is that the use of these pills eliminates worry over unintended pregnancies, consequently improving mental health in users. Another possible explanation is "survivor bias", where women who display signs of depression while on the pill discontinue its usage, thereby falling into the category of past users.

The cross-sectional study, that utilized data compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, accounted for demographic traits, chronic illnesses, and antidepressant usage.

Both present and past users of contraceptive pills who were widowed, divorced or separated, obese, with a history of cancer, were more likely to report depression. In past users, depression was commonly reported among Black or Hispanic women, smokers, women with low education levels or those living in poverty.

The chief author of the study, Dr Julia Gawronska, a postdoctoral research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University, elaborated, "Contraception forms a crucial part of preventive health care. The majority of women can tolerate the oral contraceptive pill without suffering depressive symptoms, but there exists a group of women that may experience the opposite, possibly developing depression, with unclear reasons.

"Unlike some preceding studies, we found that women currently taking the oral contraceptive pill were much less likely to report clinically relevant depression compared to past users."

"The pill could have positive mental health effects for some women, since it eliminates worry over possible pregnancies. The 'survivor effect' could also influence the results, with women who experience symptoms of depression being more likely to stop the pill, moving into the former users' group.

"However, discontinuing the pill without a valid alternative heightens the chance of unintended pregnancies. Therefore, it is crucial that women are fully supported, given comprehensive information, and if necessary, offered other forms of contraception."