Manic Teens 4 Times More Likely to Contract STDs

By Dr. Lane, Sun, October 03, 2010

A recent study indicates that teens with certain types of psychiatric disorders are more likely to have unprotected sex and practice other types of high risk sexual activity. In particular, bipolar teens who are having a manic episode engage in sexual activity more frequently than their peers. They tend to have a greater number of sexual partners, and, unfortunately, a higher risk of contracting an STD (sexually transmitted disease) as a result.

In addition to bipolar mania, adolescents with disorders that involve acting out such as conduct disorder and ADHD, as well as those who are defiant and angry, are also more likely to engage in sexual behavior. Even teens that have PTSD, anxiety, or depression were more likely to take sexual risks. As a result, these teens are all at greater risk for sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

Of all these groups, however, teens with bipolar disorder that were manic had the greatest risk - they are 4 times more likely to contract an STD.

The researchers were led by Dr. Larry K. Brown of the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center in Providence, Rhode Island. They studied 840 adolescents who were involved in an HIV prevention program known as “Project STYLE”. The program was geared towards adolescents with serious psychiatric illnesses.

Per survey reports, over 50% of the adolescents indicated a history of intercourse, and nearly a third of those did not use a condom the most recent time. Fifteen percent of the teens reported having at least four sexual partners, and 14% had positive results on STI tests.

This study shows the importance of addressing sexual behavior as part of the mental health treatment of adolescents with serious psychiatric disorders, particularly those disorders that include impulsive and reckless behavior.

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