NIDA-funded scientists at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill analyzed sex and drug behavior patterns among 18,924 teens from 132 U.S. schools. The data were gathered from September 1994 to December 1995 as part of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.
The researchers found that teens who had not initiated sex or drug abuse had the lowest levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. The highest levels were seen in youth with patterns that included illegal drug abuse and risky sexual behavior. The scientists also observed that although girls were less likely than boys to pursue high-risk behaviors, girls who did were more vulnerable to depression and suicidal behaviors.
Healthcare professionals should consider screening youth for depression and suicidal tendencies if they suspect the youth are engaging in risky behaviors. Further research is warranted to understand whether causal links exist between such behaviors and mental health status, the authors said.
Dr. Denise Hallfors and her colleagues published this study in the October 2004 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
