The impact of delayed puberty on anxiety and depression in adolescents
Open Access
- Author:
- Mehlmann, Danielle
- Area of Honors:
- Nursing
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Diane E Berish, Thesis Supervisor
Cara L Exten, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Late onset puberty
delayed puberty
pubertal timing
psychology
psychosocial factors
PHQ9
anxiety
depression - Abstract:
- ABSTRACT ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Research on the timing of adolescent developmental changes, such as pubertal timing, has become more common as associated issues such as prevalence of childhood obesity have grown. PURPOSE: To determine if delayed pubertal timing increases risk for developing anxiety and depression in adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo) were accessed to identify a comprehensive list of sources for this systematic review. The search terms were created in the spring of 2023. The search terms used to compile the sources were (Late onset puberty OR delayed Puberty OR Pubertal timing) AND (Psychology OR psychosocial factors OR PHQ9 OR anxiety OR Depression). Related MESH terms that PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo compiled utilizing the search terms were also added to the search terms.1,375 articles were retrieved, 42 articles were full-text reviewed, 6 articles were selected, 4 articles were selected from a secondary search, 2 articles were selected from a prior systematic review, and 2 articles were selected from a “cited by” list, all to compile a final total of 14 articles to be included in this review. The search criteria limited article searches to articles published in 2008. RESULTS: Current evidence shows mixed findings linking delayed puberty to anxiety and depression in adolescents. Eight out of the 14 articles found some association between late onset puberty and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety (Beltz, 2018; Carter et al., 2013; Conley & Rudolph, 2009; Crockett et al., 2013; Gaysina et al., 2015; Joinson et al., 2018; Rudolph et al., 2014; Weingarden & Renshaw, 2012). Because puberty is a known link to mental health issues, more research needs to be done. DISCUSSION: Since puberty is already a known link for mental health issues it is important that screening for mental health issues during this time be utilized in both healthcare and school settings. Based on the current research, the question of whether there is a link between delayed-puberty and anxiety and depression is still unknown due to lack of research and consistency within research on the topic. Early intervention through the use of non-pharmacological intervention like cognitive behavioral therapy may be more beneficial as pharmacological interventions have high risk side effects associated with them. If future research does find a link between those with delayed puberty and increasing risk of anxiety and depression, it would be even more important to increase screenings within this adolescent population.