Depressed Women Have More Sex
Mild to moderately depressed women are likely to have sex more often than their happier counterparts, says a new study.
They are also more likely to have more sexually liberal attitudes, a variety of sexual experiences and, if single, are more likely to engage in casual sex.
At first glance this may seem unlikely given that loss of libido is a common symptom of depression, but sexual desire isn't the motivating factor, say the researchers. "When people are depressed they feel more insecure about their relationships and concerned that their partner may not care about them or find them valuable. Having sex helps them feel that closeness and security," said lead author Dr. Sabura Allen.
Dr. Allen and her colleagues at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia reached their conclusions are analyzing the sexual experiences of 107 depressed and non-depressed women who were in relationships.
The researchers are not sure whether sexual activity relieves depression, but they speculate that it may help by giving women an opportunity "to be close to their partner and loved."
The study, soon to be published in a British medical journal, was presented on March 20 at the International Congress on Women's Mental Health in Melbourne. The story was reported by the Herald Sun.
Comments
As a 45 yr old, single, depressed woman… this doesn’t surprise me at all. In fact, my labido feels very high which I have interpretted as my body’s way of trying to find something that will help me feel a connection with someone.
The Australian study seems to make a lot of sense to me and even though I’m a male, I think that I can understand the logic behind this study…well, as much as a male can, that is.
This was certainly true of me, prior to medications. Now that I have medication, I have zero libido — and am I glad!!!! Free at last! Free to be me, without libido constantly horning in on my life. (Pun intended!)
ditto floweballs! I wish I did have more libido, I am happily married and I think my husband thinks I am unattracted to him. Truth is, my drives have been stamped out with meds. Few years back when I was irresponsible and tried to “save money” by cutting back o my medication here and there I noticed increase in drive, among iritability, paranoia, headaches, (withdrawals) and a laundrey list of other things…….but I think I’d will stay on my meds-(INSERT “DUH” SMILEY HERE)