Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Boob Tube Linked to Depression

As teen TV time rises, so does adult depression

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 3, 2009 2:23 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Teenagers who watch too much television may risk depression as adults, according to a new study. Each additional hour of daily television viewing by adolescents boosted their odds of becoming depressed as young adults by 8%, reports the Los Angeles Times. Watching videos, playing computer games and listening to the radio did not carry a similar risk.

The results don't prove television causes depression. "It could be argued that people with the predilection for later development of depression also happen to have a predilection for watching lots of TV," said the lead researcher. But scientists also speculate that watching TV might take time away from other activities and sleep, which may play a key role in staving off depression.

A new study says watching too much television as a child or teenager may increase the risk of depression as an adult.
A new study says watching too much television as a child or teenager may increase the risk of depression as an adult.   (AP Photo/Adel Hana)
A new study says watching too much television as a teenager may increase the risk of depression as an adult, but other media did not produce similar effects.
A new study says watching too much television as a teenager may increase the risk of depression as an adult, but other media did not produce similar effects.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne,file)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It could be argued that people with the predilection for later development of depression also happen to have a predilection for watching
lots of TV. - Dr. Brian Primack of the University of Pittsburgh

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Media use in adolescence and depression in young adulthood
Archives of General Psychiatry

Teen TV time tied to adult depression
US News & World Report

 
television • Harvard Medical School • depression • University of Pittsburgh • National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

More Newser Stories

Unhappiest Watch Boob Tube the Most

Locklear Checks Into Rehab for Anxiety, Depression
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne