New studies: Early puberty increases risk of dissatisfaction.

New studies from Aarhus University highlight a clearer link between early puberty and psychological challenges among young people.

The health sciences faculty at Aarhus University, known as Health, is behind the research, which focuses on both investigation and education. (Archive photo.) (Photo: © Mikkel Berg Pedersen, Ritzau Scanpix)

By Ritzau ([email protected]) 22 minutes ago

Three cohort studies from Aarhus University (AU) indicate a connection between early puberty and distress among adolescents.

This is according to a press release from Aarhus University (https://health.au.dk/display/artikel/tidlig-pubertet-kan-maaske-oege-risiko-for-mistrivsel-og-stoerre-forbrug-af-alkohol-cigaretter-og-stoffer).

The three studies are so-called cohort studies, meaning researchers have tracked approximately 16,000 boys and girls with semi-annual measurements of their pubertal development and combined this with self-reported information and registry data on mental health.

The studies show that adolescents who experienced early puberty had a higher risk of both developing psychological challenges and engaging in higher consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

While previous research has explored this area, the new findings refine and expand existing knowledge by incorporating both the timing and pace of puberty as well as a wide range of mental health outcomes.

In other words, this strengthens the credibility of earlier research results.

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The trend is strongest among girls

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The studies further reveal that the trend is most pronounced among girls.

"In fact, the studies suggest that girls may have double the risk of being prescribed psychotropic medication for general mental health issues if they enter puberty early. For boys, we found only a slight increased risk," explains postdoctoral researcher at Aarhus University Anne Gaml-Sørensen.

The studies also show that the earlier girls entered puberty, the higher their risk of receiving a registry-based anxiety diagnosis.

"The risk was about 26 percent higher for each year they entered puberty earlier," says PhD student at AU Anne Marie Ladehoff Thomsen.

In addition to the risk of psychological challenges, early puberty also implies a greater likelihood of risky behavior.

This risky behavior can manifest as earlier and more frequent use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

Professor of public health at Aarhus University Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen believes that even though further research is still needed, professionals working daily with young people can already apply the study’s findings in their work.

"It’s about being generally aware of the issue. If one is attentive to inappropriate behavior earlier, it’s possible to intervene sooner," she says.

According to Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen, the next step is to investigate the mechanisms behind the link between early puberty and psychological challenges.

"We need to examine both biological, psychological, and social processes more closely to better understand them. This can help us identify the best points of intervention," she explains.

"Is it the public health nurse, the parents, or perhaps the school? We can’t prevent early puberty, but we can gain insight into who should be extra vigilant," the professor adds.

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