Teenagers 80% more likely to be depressed if on contraceptive pill

Women who have experienced depression shouldn't be prescribed the contraceptive pill according to a Danish expert.

Professor Øjvind Lidegaard of the University of Copenhagen says hormones used in the medication can make depression even worse.

He has carried out a study which found that teenagers are 80% more likely to be depressed if they take the pill.

Following his study, of more than a million women, Professor Lindegaard says those on the pill are more likely to need anti-depressants.

"This increase was higher in women the younger they were," said Lindegaard.