[Gender differences in brain development--correlation with the spectrum of psychiatric disturbances]

Maturation of brain structure has a different rhythm in girls and boys. From the viewpoint of cognitive processes, the first decade of life is the most important developmental stage after intrauterine life, cognitive functions will essentially develop also during the second decade. Gender differences have been noted already in early adolescence. Behavioral disturbances and substance abuse problems as well as attention-deficit disorders are more common in boys, whereas depression, anxiety and eating disorders are more common in girls. Regarding psychiatric morbidity, onset of puberty and late adolescence are periods of special vulnerability.