NEW DELHI: (Jun 23) Going through puberty early might sound like just a phase, but research says it could come with long-lasting mental health effects.
A study from University Hospital Essen, Germany, found that kids with central precocious puberty where development begins before age 8 in girls and 9 in boys are more likely to experience depression and ADHD, with effects lingering up to 8 years post onset. Over 6,500 individuals were studied for 13 years using health insurance data 1,100 of them had early puberty, and their mental health risks were significantly higher.
Bottom Line: Early physical growth may fast-track emotional stress. It’s a wake-up call for parents, teachers, and paediatricians to watch out for more than just hormones.
