Environmental endocrine disruptors and depression in adolescence: A missing link?

Adolescence is a critical window of physical and psychological development marked by heightened vulnerability to environmental pollutants, particularly environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs). Accumulating evidence links both traditional contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, plasticizers) and emerging pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to increased depression risk. Specifically, exposure to BPAF, MEHP, and Pb has been associated with elevated odds of depression (OR = 1.132, 95 % CI: 1.013-1.264; OR = 3.28, 95 % CI: 1.09-9.88; OR = 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.01-2.47, respectively). Mechanistic studies indicate that EDCs may contribute to depressive outcomes by disrupting hormonal balance, inducing neuroinflammation, and altering neurotransmitter systems. These findings highlight adolescence as a sensitive period for EDC-related neurotoxicity and indicate that incorporating environmental exposure assessments in research could improve understanding of environmental-induced depression. Further studies are needed before such assessments can inform routine clinical practice.