Teen sex and drugs increase depression and suicide risk

A new study published in the 'American Journal of Preventive Medicine' has revealed that teenagers engaging in high-risk behaviours involving sex and drugs are at greater risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts than teens who say no to sex and drugs.

"These results suggest that healthcare professionals who identify adolescent patients reporting sexual intercourse or drug use should strongly consider screening for depression and risk of suicide," said Denise D. Hallfors, lead author of the study and a senior research Scientist at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

"It is particularly important not to miss opportunities to diagnose depression because effective treatments are available, or to overlook suicide risk because suicide can be prevented," concluded Hallfors.

Hindustantimes