Oral contraceptives: side effects and depression in adolescent girls.
OBJECTIVE
The study was undertaken to determine the side effects, including depression, of oral contraceptives (OCs) in adolescent girls.


METHODS
We conducted a randomized trial of OCs for dysmenorrhea, which assessed side effects and depression. Seventy-six adolescents received an OC (20 microg of ethinyl estradiol/100 mg of levonorgestrel) or a placebo in a double-blind fashion for 3 months. We ascertained OC side effects using open-ended and closed question formats. Participants self-administered the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess depressive symptoms.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven participants (77%) reported at least one side effect (median=2, range=0-8, interquartile range=1.0-3.25). The number and the type of side effects reported in the OC group and in the placebo group were similar. Mean exit CES-D scores were comparable between groups [OC group, 14.0 (SD=9.2); placebo group, 14.4 (SD=8.1); p=.86].


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescents treated with an OC or a placebo experienced similar numbers and types of OC side effects, as well as depressive symptoms.
O'Connell
Katharine
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Davis
Anne R
AR
Kerns
Jennifer
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral