Boys and girls in Singapore may develop depressive symptoms differently, with early childhood brain development patterns linked to adolescent depression signs, according to a study led by the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP) published in April 2026 in Molecular Psychiatry [1, 2].
The study analysed brain development changes between ages 4½ and 6 years and found girls showed a faster rate of brain development change than boys [1, 2]. These differential patterns corresponded to different depressive symptoms reported at age 13. In girls, alterations in emotional-processing brain regions were linked to low mood and poor self-esteem, while in boys, other brain areas were connected to feelings of tiredness and ineffectiveness [1, 2].
Girls were 2.5 times more likely than boys to report depressive symptoms at 13 years old [1, 2]. The data came from the GUSTO birth cohort tracking over 1,200 Singaporean mothers and children from pregnancy through childhood, allowing comprehensive longitudinal insights [1, 2].
Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability and death among youths aged 10 to 14 in Singapore, ranking highest in mental distress impact within ASEAN countries [1, 2]. A 2023 study by the National University of Singapore revealed about one in three youths aged 10 to 18 reported internalising mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, and loneliness [1, 2].
The research underscores the importance of early brain development monitoring to understand gender-specific risks for adolescent depression. The next step involves further studies to explore targeted interventions based on these brain development markers to improve mental health outcomes among Singapore youths.
