Association of timing of menarche with depressive symptoms and depression in adolescence: Mendelian randomisation study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Observational studies report associations between early menarche and higher levels of depressive symptoms and depression. However, no studies have investigated whether this association is causal.

Aims

To determine whether earlier menarche is a causal risk factor for depressive symptoms and depression in adolescence.

Method

The associations between a genetic score for age at menarche and depressive symptoms at 14, 17 and 19 years, and depression at 18 years, were examined using Mendelian randomisation analysis techniques.

Results

Using a genetic risk score to indicate earlier timing of menarche, we found that early menarche is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at 14 years (odds ratio per risk allele 1.02, 95% CI 1.005-1.04, n = 2404

SUBMITTER: Sequeira ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5209630 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature