Publication Year
2023
Degree Name
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Program Director
Jennifer Wurz, PhD
Literature Review Advisor
Maria de Sousa, CLS, MPA, JD
Abstract
Background information: Oral contraceptives are one of the most common types of birth control women use to prevent pregnancy. The most widely prescribed pill form contains estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone helps prevent pregnancy while estrogen controls menstrual bleeding. Today, researchers are investigating whether the use of oral contraceptives will increase the chances of developing a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder. These disorders, though common, affect patients by interfering with their daily activities.
Principal focus: Behavioral changes were compared to determine if there is a significant increase in the risk of being diagnosed with a mood disorder (i.e. bipolar disorder and depression) among females 13 years and older who use oral contraceptives as their main form of birth control. This was compared to women who did not use oral contraceptives or other female barrier methods such as an IUD, patch, or ring.
Methodology: We systematically reviewed 70 clinical trials from UpToDate, PubMed, and the National Library of Medicine using search terms such as oral contraceptives, birth control pills, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression. Limited searches to studies from 2015 to present, English, human trials, and females older than 13 years old. After further reduction, 20 studies were analyzed. Outcomes were accessed via interview assessments or surveys with clinical scores.
Results: While there appears to be some supporting evidence demonstrating a correlation between the usage of oral contraceptives leading to increased risk of mood disorders, there are many outside factors that can also influence mood. Therefore, more research is still needed to further understand how oral contraceptives alone without any external influence will affect a person’s mood.