University of Bristol

Academic Institute

Carol JoinsonDr Jamie LeveretDr Jon Heron

B3901

It is now well-established that an early timing of puberty is associated with a greater risk of depression in girls during adolescence, and there is evidence that this relationship is causal. Far fewer studies have examined whether pubertal timing is related to depression in boys and findings are inconsistent. Some studies have found that boys with an early puberty have a greater risk of depression in adolescence, whilst others have found that a later puberty confers a greater risk. Such inconsistency is often attributed to measurement difficulties in capturing pubertal development in boys. It is also unclear whether any effects of pubertal timing on depression in boys persist beyond adolescence.

The research findings have the potential to improve the identification of young people who are at risk of developing depressive symptoms and depression and to improve understanding about the role of puberty in determining risk for depression in boys. This evidence could help to inform the development of interventions and school based programmes to reduce the risk of depression in adolescent boys and young men.

25/10/2021