Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine

Sangamon County’s gonorrhea rate – 181 cases for every 100,000 people – is the ninth highest in Illinois. Approximately 35% of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in the county involve the 15- through 19-year-old age group, according to state data.

Another common malady among teens? Depression. In 2014, the NIH found that 11.4% of American adolescents aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

For researchers at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, the exceptionally high rates of sexually transmitted infections and depression among teens were causes for concern. But could the two be linked?

Wiley Jenkins, PhD, a research professor at the med school, says yes. “Few studies have exclusively examined STD rates as they relate to depression, but we do know that depressive symptoms can lead to riskier sexual behavior,” Jenkins explained. Past research also suggests that an STD diagnosis can worsen existing depressive symptoms in teens and adults.

Dr. Jenkins’ study determined that depression was related to an increased risk of STDs among both females and males. In fact, Jenkins and his research partner, Albert Botchway, PhD, found that depression was linked to a near-doubling of STD risk.

“Mental and sexual health have historically been considered separate domains, frequently diagnosed and treated by different professionals in different locations,” explains Dr. Jenkins. “Our research, on the other hand, suggests mental and sexual health are interdependent.” Given the limited amount of time primary care physicians have with patients, doctors often look for clues, such as a teen pregnancy and illegal drug use with alcohol, that could suggest the need for an STD screening. “If we can identify and treat young adults who are suffering from depression, we can also lower their risk of contracting an STD.”

If you suspect you have an STD or if you suffer from depression, SIU HealthCare can help. Call 217-545-8000 to make an appointment with a health care professional.

Copyright ©, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois