Puberty is a natural stage of life. During this time, the body changes, hormones increase, and emotions can feel stronger than before.
Most children begin puberty around the same age as their classmates, but some start earlier.
Even when doctors say the timing is normal, starting puberty earlier than friends can create emotional and social challenges.
Researchers at Aarhus University, led by Professor Cecilia Ramlau Hansen in the Department of Public Health, wanted to understand how early puberty affects young people.
The team followed 15,818 Danish adolescents who answered questions about their puberty. As these teenagers grew older, the researchers examined their mental health.
Early puberty and emotional health
The results showed a clear connection between early puberty and mental health struggles.
Young people who entered puberty earlier had a higher risk of feeling unwell, receiving psychiatric diagnoses, and using psychiatric medication.
“Early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, in terms of lower self-rated health, psychiatric diagnoses and the use of psychiatric medication among young people. The trend is strongest for girls, but it also applies to boys,” said study first author Anne Gaml-Sørensen.
“Our studies suggest that girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions in general, compared with girls who begin puberty at the same time as their classmates. Among boys, we found only a slight increase in risk.”
Anxiety in girls
The researchers found that girls are more strongly affected by early puberty. PhD student Anne Marie Ladehoff Thomsen studied anxiety in adolescents.
About four percent of the girls in the study received an anxiety diagnosis. Around 12 percent reported symptoms of social anxiety, such as fear of speaking in front of others or feeling very nervous in social situations.
The pattern was clear. The earlier a girl entered puberty, the higher the risk of anxiety. For each year earlier puberty began, the risk of receiving an anxiety diagnosis increased by about 26 percent.
This does not mean every girl who develops early will struggle with anxiety. However, the chance becomes higher compared to girls who mature at the same time as friends.
Risk-taking during teenage years
Early puberty can also influence behavior. Postdoctoral researcher Pernille Jul Clemmensen examined risk-taking in teenagers.
“What we can also see is that earlier and more rapid pubertal development is associated with increased risk-taking behavior during adolescence. This may manifest itself in earlier and more frequent use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs,” said Clemmensen.
When a young person looks older than their classmates, others may treat that person as more mature.
At the same time, the brain is still developing. This difference between physical growth and emotional development can lead to earlier experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Again, not every early-developing teenager will take risks. The research only shows that the likelihood is higher compared to peers who develop later.
Why awareness matters
Professor Hansen noted that the studies show a link between early puberty and mental health challenges. However, more research is needed to fully understand why this connection exists.
“These studies show that there is an association. However, further research is now needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these links – including biological, psychological and social processes,” said Hansen.
The findings highlight the importance of paying attention to young people who enter puberty early. Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals can offer extra support during this time.
Growing up is already a big change. When it begins earlier than expected, it can feel even more overwhelming. With understanding and support, young people can move through this stage in a healthier and more confident way.
Reducing shame and confusion
The findings demonstrate that timing can shape a young person’s experience in powerful ways.
Schools and families can create environments where students feel safe talking about emotions and changes in their bodies. Open conversations can reduce shame and confusion.
Learning about puberty in a clear and honest way can also help young people feel more prepared. When students understand that everyone develops at a different pace, comparison becomes less stressful.
Knowledge, patience, and empathy can make this stage of life smoother and less frightening for many adolescents.
The study is published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
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