Sexual Activity in Early Life Linked to Major Depressive Disorder, Study Finds
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests a causal link between early sexual intercourse and major depressive disorder (MDD). Researchers utilized large-scale genetic data and Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the relationship between sexual behaviors and MDD. The findings indicate that early sexual intercourse increases the risk of MDD, and delaying the age at first sexual intercourse may have a protective effect against the development of depression. However, the study has limitations, including its focus on the European population and reliance on self-reported data. Nonetheless, the study highlights the importance of addressing depression among sexually active adolescents and the potential benefits of interventions aimed at delaying early sexual activity in preventing or reducing the risk of MDD.