Girls who enter puberty early are more likely to suffer poor mental health, research has found. Those whose bodies
begin to change earlier than their classmates are also twice as likely to be prescribed psychiatric medication.
Analysis of questionnaires completed by 15,818 Danish adolescents revealed 12% of girls experiencing early
hormonal changes reported social anxiety symptoms.
The rate of official diagnoses increased 26% for each year earlier that they began puberty.
‘Early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress,’ said researcher Anne Gaml-Sørensen. ‘The
trend is strongest for girls, but it also applies to boys.’
Further work by the authors found a link between early puberty and greater risktaking behaviour – notably earlier and more regular
use of alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs.
‘These studies show there is an association,’ said Professor Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen, who led the research group. ‘However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms, including biological, psychological and social processes.’
Study
Journal of Affective Disorders (Jan issue)
Journal of Affective Disorders (April issue)
Image | ISTOCK
