Abstract
In this prospective study, the association between physical activity and subsequent use of antidepressant and hypnotic drug use in adolescents aged 15–16 years was examined. This study is based on information retrieved from the Norwegian Youth Health Surveys (2000–2003) and linked to prescription data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (2004–2013). In total, the study included 10711 participants with a participation rate of 87%. Adolescents were asked how many hours per week they spent on physical activity that made them sweat and/or be out of breath outside of school. Incident psychotropic drug use (outcome measure) was defined as ≥ 1 prescription of one of the following psychotropic drugs: hypnotics and antidepressants registered in the Norwegian Prescription Database. In the crude model for the time period 2004–2007, the odds of incident hypnotic use were lower for those who were physically active 1–2 h per week (OR 0.48–0.64), compared to those who were physically inactive (< 1 h per week). However, the association become non-significant 4-year post-baseline (2008–2010 and 2011–2013). In the crude model for the time periods 2004–2007, 2008–2010 and 2011–2013, the odds of incident antidepressant use were lower for physically active adolescents (2004–2007: OR 0.46–0.71, 2008–2010: OR 0.40–0.67 and 2011–2013: OR 0.37–0.58, compared to those who were physically inactive < 1 h. However, after adjustment for confounders, the association became non-significant in all time periods except in physical activity 5–7 and 8–10 h in the period 2008–2010. Physical activity does not indicate any association with later use of antidepressants, and the significant association with incident hypnotic drug use was for short-term follow-up only and disappeared on longer term follow-up periods. Given the scarcity of longitudinal studies examining the association between physical activity and mental health as well as psychotropic drug use among young people, the current study adds to previous research.
Highlights
The prevalence of mental health difficulties among adolescents has increased in recent years with problems having an earlier age of onset [1]
Our study shows that physical activity is associated with incident hypnotic use for the 2004–2007 time period, but not for the 2008–2010 and 2011–2013 time periods
A weak association was found between physical activity and antidepressants in the crude model, while most odds ratios were non-significant in the adjusted model controlling for socioeconomic and other factors
Summary
The prevalence of mental health difficulties among adolescents has increased in recent years with problems having an earlier age of onset (between 12 and 24 years of age) [1]. Alongside these trends, the use of antidepressants has increased markedly in many countries. In Norway, for example, antidepressant use has increased among adolescents (16–17 years) over the past few years, especially among girls [2]. It is noteworthy that ‘many psychiatric disorders with an adolescent onset have a strong continuity with adult disorders and, contribute a sizeable proportion of adult psychiatric morbidity’ [5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
