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Age at Menarche, Depression, and Antisocial Behavior in Adulthood
Jane Mendle1, Rebecca M Ryan2, Kirsten M P McKone3
1Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; jem482@cornell.edu.
Pediatrics
|December 28, 2017
Summary
Early puberty in girls is linked to lasting mental health issues into adulthood. Difficulties like depression and antisocial behavior that begin in adolescence may not improve over time.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Adolescent health
- Mental health research
Background:
- Early pubertal timing in girls is a known risk factor for adolescent mental health problems.
- The long-term impact of early puberty on mental health has been understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between age at menarche and mental health outcomes in adulthood.
- To examine the duration of mental health effects stemming from early pubertal timing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nationally representative sample of 7802 women.
- Conducted a prospective study tracking participants from adolescence for approximately 14 years.
- Analyzed the relationship between age at menarche, depressive symptoms, and antisocial behaviors in adulthood.
Main Results:
- Earlier age at menarche was associated with increased rates of depressive symptoms in adulthood.
- Earlier menarche also correlated with higher rates of antisocial behaviors in adulthood.
- These mental health difficulties showed little to no attenuation from adolescence into adulthood.
Conclusions:
- The mental health consequences of early puberty can extend well beyond adolescence into adulthood.
- Early development may set girls on a trajectory with persistent mental health challenges.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the prolonged mental health risks for early-maturing girls.
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