Women who are depressed have more sex than those who are happier, according to a new study.

A report by researchers from Monash University in Australia has revealed that females who suffer from mild to moderate depression are a third more sexually active than those who are not. They are also likely to have had a bigger variety if sexual experiences.

Dr Sabura Allen, who was involved in the study, said: "It was more sex and more of everything from kissing to petting, foreplay and intercourse.

"We knew this anecdotally from clinical samples but this is the first time it's been shown in research.

"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.''

The researchers also found that happier single women had less sex than depressed singles.

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