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Different forms of media associated with risk of depression among teens

By Staff Writer

Adolescents who listen to music as their primary source of media exposure may be more likely to develop major depressive disorder than their peers who read books, according to a recent study published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

The researchers monitored media use among 106 participants, 46 of whom suffered from depression, through daily phone calls over the course of five weeks. The subjects reported how much time they spent watching television, reading books, listening to music, playing video games or surfing the internet. The investigators also evaluated the teens' behaviors in real-time.

The results showed that when compared to participants who reported that they listened to music the least, those who spent the most time doing so were more than eight times more likely to suffer from major depressive disorder. However, subjects who were more inclined to read were one-tenth as likely to suffer from chronic sadness.

Researchers noted that they are unsure whether depressed teens listen to music to soothe their symptoms or if the form of media exacerbates the condition.

Adolescents who suffer from mood disorders may benefit from attending boarding schools where they can have access to necessary treatment.

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