Researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand interviewed 500 women between the ages of 15 and 30.

Overall, 284 women reported a total of 686 pregnancies and 153 abortions.

Women who had abortions were 30% more likely to have mental health problems.

The conditions most associated with abortion included anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

Elsewhere, a study of 1,123 women conducted by researchers, from the University of Queensland, Australia, found that young women who have had an abortion or miscarriage are three times more likely to experience a drug or alcohol problems than women who have never had an abortion or miscarried.

sanjay.tanday@haymarket.com

• Br J Psychiatry Online 2008

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