Previous studies investigating the association between pubertal timing and depression in girls primarily use self-reported age at menarche (AAM). This study examines a range of pubertal timing indicators, including anthropometric and self-reported measures.

Compare associations of multiple indicators of pubertal timing with depressive symptoms and depression in girls and explore whether these associations persist into early adulthood.

The sample comprised 4607 girls from UK-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Seven measures of pubertal timing were assessed between ages 7 and 17 (age at: peak height velocity (aPHV); peak weight velocity; peak bone mineral content velocity; Tanner pubic hair and breast development stage 3; axillary hair; and AAM). Depressive symptoms were measured at 14, 17, 18 and 24 years using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Depression was assessed at 15, 18 and 24 years using the Development and Well-Being Assessment and Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for socioeconomic status and pre-pubertal body mass index.

Later pubertal timing was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms at age 14 across six measures, including aPHV (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.82; 95% CI 0.72, 0.95) and AAM (AOR: 0.84; 95% CI 0.76, 0.92). Later AAM and Tanner breast stage 3 were associated with lower odds of depression at age 18 (AOR: 0.85; 95% CI 0.75, 0.97 and AOR: 0.83; 95% CI 0.72, 0.95, respectively). Associations attenuated by age 24.

Later pubertal timing was associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms during mid-adolescence, with associations attenuating by adulthood.