STD risk spikes among teens with mental health problems

Teenagers with certain mental health disorders may be more likely to have unprotected sex, according to findings published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. By engaging in these behaviors, young people are putting themselves at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Bipolar disorder, a psychological illness, can cause dramatic changes in a person's mood. Because of these swings, the current study suggests that bipolar teens may be more more likely to have multiple sexual partners or not use a condom.

Furthermore, patients with anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anger problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could be a high-risk population for unprotected sex and STDs.

Recently, the investigators identified a total of 840 teenagers with various types of mental disorders. After they evaluated them, they found that more than 50 percent were sexually active, and of this group, 29 percent didn't use condoms and 15 percent had at least four sexual partners.

Sexual risks may be "linked to these disorders because they're often associated with impulsive or reckless behaviors," said Larry K. Brown, lead author of the study. He concluded that "the sexual risk behavior of teens with these diagnoses should be carefully and routinely screened as part of their mental health treatment."

Teenagers who are concerned about their sexual health, but are uncomfortable with seeing their doctor, can benefit from online testing services.