Aims: Research into pubertal timing and depression in boys has been inconclusive, with some studies reporting an increased risk of depression in early maturing boys, some finding that late maturing boys have increased depression, and some reporting no association. Previous research has used subjective measures of pubertal timing and rarely used repeated, objective longitudinal measures.

Method: In a sample of 6,446 male participants from a UK cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children – ALSPAC), seven repeated measurements of pubertal timing were derived (age at peak height velocity, peak weight velocity, peak bone mineral content velocity, Tanner pubic hair stage 3, Tanner genitalia stage 3, axillary hair and voice break). Depressive symptoms were measured at 14 and 18 years using the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ). Diagnosed depression was measured at 18 years using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between pubertal timing and depressive symptoms/depression, adjusted for indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and pre-pubertal body mass index (BMI).

Results: Compared to males with normative pubertal development, the odds of depression at age 18 were higher in those with early age at peak height velocity (OR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.27–3.34), early age at peak weight velocity (OR: 2.10; 95% CI 1.16–3.79) and early age at Tanner genitalia stage 3 (OR: 1.81; 95% CI 1.01–3.26). There was no evidence for an association between pubertal timing and depressive symptoms at age 14 or 18.

Conclusion: We found evidence for an association between earlier pubertal timing in boys and increased odds of depression at age 18 . The possible reasons for an association in depression diagnosis but not depressive symptoms is discussed, as well as methodological considerations and possible mechanisms involved.