Final answer:
Adolescent depression rates are similar for boys and girls until about age 13, after which girls show higher rates. Early maturing boys and girls and late-developing boys are at particular risk for depression and other negative outcomes. Old age also comes with an elevated risk of depression, potentially associated with factors like retirement and loneliness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Depression and Puberty
Depression in adolescents presents differently based on gender and can be influenced by the timing of puberty. Research suggests that prepubescent boys and girls experience depression at roughly the same rate. However, from around the age of 13, girls report higher rates of depression. The risk factors differ; early maturing boys may engage more in substance abuse and early sexual activity, while early maturing girls are at an increased risk for depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
For adolescents, body image and self-esteem issues that stem from physical development can significantly impact mental health. Late bloomers, especially boys, who develop more slowly than their peers, can struggle with self-conscious feelings and be at a higher risk for depression and bullying. Furthermore, the stress and negative self-perception during these years can contribute to unhealthy behaviors such as obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity, which are correlated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life.
During old age, while retirement can free time up for hobbies, it also may lead to less social contact, loneliness, and even ageism, contributing to a high prevalence of depression among the elderly. Depression remains a complex mental disorder with multiple potential contributing factors, and it's important to consider how developmental stages like puberty can play a significant role in mental health.