Teenage girls 'significantly more likely than boys' to have depressed mood

Conflict with mothers was an important predictor of depression in girls, while closeness to fathers was a factor for boys. File Picture: Pexels

Almost one in five girls aged 13 rated themselves as having symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of ‘depression’, with factors including the quality of friendships with their peers and conflict with their mothers.

The finding is included in a new report from the Growing Up in Ireland longitudinal study, looking at the mental health and wellbeing of 13-year-olds.