Incidence of depressive symptoms in users of the oral contraceptive.

Evidence is presented that the incidence of depression among users of oral contraceptives is no higher than that among matched controls not taking such medication. There is an association between high depression scores and high neuroticism scores, more marked in controls than takers. Intensity of depression is related more to age, personality and occupation than to the use of oral contraceptives. A higher proportion of users than of controls experience sexual satisfaction. Past takers include a large number of individuals with a high neuroticism score. The incidence of depression symptoms in women increases with age. A higher proportion of housewives than of women going out to full-time work show depressive symptoms.