Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A longitudinal study found that nine-to-10-year-old children who drink daily caffeinated soda are twice as likely to try alcohol within a year. Daily caffeine intake is associated with low working memory and high impulsivity, recognized risk factors for substance use disorders.
The USPSTF states that routine screening for oral health conditions, such as dental caries, is not recommended for children and adolescents aged 5-17. Untreated oral health issues can lead to serious infections affecting growth, development, and quality of life.
A study found that teens experiencing food insecurity, who rely on low-cost ultra-processed foods, are developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at a higher rate. Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) seems to protect young people against liver disease.
A new study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to manganese may be beneficial for verbal learning and memory in adolescence. Manganese levels were linked with fewer errors in adolescents, particularly males.
A new study found that social media platforms restrict user-generated content and advertising related to illegal muscle-building drugs but offer few restrictions on legal dietary supplements. This has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of these products on young people's health and behavior.
Two reproductive health conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome and dysmenorrhea, are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in women. Studies suggest that girls with polycystic ovary syndrome have a 30% higher risk of high blood pressure, while women with dysmenorrhea are twice as likely to experience ischemic heart disease.
A new UK study found that teenagers are more likely to visit their GP about depression and anxiety at the start of the school year. The research analyzed data from over 5 million people in England and suggests that support for adolescents around mental health issues should be focused during the autumn.
A new NIH study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents with pre-existing mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. The findings reveal that these teens faced more severe effects, including lower life satisfaction, compared to their peers.
A new study in Nature Communications presents a large-scale chart of cognitive development in teens, revealing that executive function usually matures by 18 years old. The findings have significant implications for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, parents, educators, and the judicial system.
Recent research on adolescent stereotypes highlights the importance of avoiding one-size-fits-all assumptions across cultures, instead emphasizing social constructions and cultural variation. The article discusses the findings and their implications for policy and societal change.
A recent study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and colleagues found that Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT) can reduce rumination in adolescents. The study also showed correlated shifts in brain connectivity, suggesting that RF-CBT can help young people break the painful mental loops that contribu...
Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.
A survey of 1,005 parents found that internet use by adolescents has both positive and negative effects, including concerns about addiction and cyberbullying. The study revealed that twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction.
Researchers found changes in microglial cells, a specialized subset of immune cells, that may worsen schizophrenia risk in adolescents. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that THC exposure during adolescence can lead to long-lasting negative effects on brain development and function.
A retrospective cohort study found that Black, lower SES, and publicly insured teens are at higher risk of major complications after scoliosis surgery. These disparities also affect pre-operative care, including rates of brace prescription and second opinions.
Research suggests delta-8 companies market products to minors with colorful packaging, cheap prices, and easy availability. This lack of age verification and regulation poses risks to minors, who may underestimate the substance's strength and danger. Clinicians and policymakers are advised to take action.
Mental health crises among children and adolescents requiring emergency department care skyrocketed during the pandemic and have stayed elevated despite a return to normalcy. Studies found increased rates of youth mental health-related visits, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and eating disorders.
Childhood trauma rates surged during the pandemic, with injuries from motor vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds rising disproportionately in socioeconomically deprived areas. The study highlights worsened pandemic-related stressors exacerbating an already severe problem.
A study of 5,435 adolescents and young adults with cancer found that those receiving specialty palliative care experienced a decrease in pain severity. However, the intervention did not affect other symptoms, highlighting the need for new interventions targeting other symptoms during treatment.
A recent study found that social media is a significant factor in body image issues affecting teenaged athletes, with many quitting sports due to perceived imperfections. The research suggests that promoting diverse and realistic images of athleticism can help reduce dropout rates among young girls, who are more likely to quit sports t...
A survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly 70% of teenagers are comfortable being asked about their sexual orientation and gender identity during medical visits. This study emphasizes the need for diverse avenues of communication to foster an inclusive healthcare environment.
A new study found that muscle dysmorphia symptoms are associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and proper identification of muscle dysmorphia symptoms to prevent future suicidal ideation and suicide planning.
A new national study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents in the US are more than twice as likely to report binge eating than their heterosexual peers. Stressors like discrimination and stigma can lead to poor self-esteem and disordered eating.
A meta-analysis of 40 studies involving 310,000 youths found low treatment rates for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. Targeted interventions to improve psychiatric disorder treatment rates are urgently required.
A school-based cycling program improved adolescents' psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, certain groups, such as males and students from high socio-economic status families, showed reduced improvements in mental well-being.
Researchers measured metabolite concentrations of two herbicides in urine samples from Ecuadorian adolescents and found negative associations with attention, memory, and language. Glyphosate was also linked to social perception issues.
Female cancer survivors perceive high fertility risks despite actual rates being lower, highlighting need for counseling on infertility risk throughout survivorship. Counseling may reduce misalignment between perceptions and actual risk, decreasing fertility-related distress and informing family planning decisions.
Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents had major depressive disorder, with less than half receiving mental health treatment. Racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly Latinx, experienced the lowest treatment rates.
A study using data from over 10,000 UK participants found that young children with warm parental relationships tend to display more socially-desirable behaviors like kindness, empathy and generosity. This association holds even after accounting for mental health factors.
A recent study by UTHealth Houston found that the offspring of adolescent and young adult women with a history of cancer face a higher risk of birth defects. The study examined 6,882 offspring ages 12 months and younger and found an increased risk of specific types of defects in the offspring of women with a history of cancer.
The estimated ADHD prevalence among children and adolescents in the US was 10.08% to 10.47% from 2017 to 2022, similar to previous estimates. No significant annual change in prevalence was found during this period.
Rates of opioid prescribing to US adolescents have decreased in recent years, mainly for non-surgical procedures. Opioid prescribing for surgical indications has remained relatively stable during the same period. This analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys data from 2015-2020 reveals a significant shift in prescribing patterns.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a persistent increase in psychotropic medication dispensation among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the need for integrated pediatric diabetes care and mental health services to detect psychological needs early on.
The study found an increase in eating disorder emergency department visits and hospitalizations among females aged 10-17, 18-26, 27-40, and 41-105 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors such as isolation, social media use, and decreased access to care may have contributed to this surge.
Research from Rutgers University reveals that 1.77% of 16-year-olds in northeastern New Jersey have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with significant disparities among males, females, and socioeconomic groups.
New research reveals that children with childhood mental health issues are at higher risk of social isolation, low educational attainment, financial difficulties, and heavy substance use in late teens and early 20s. The study also found a strong link between internalising symptoms and poor physical health in young adulthood.
A new NIH grant will investigate the impact of combined alcohol and e-cigarette use on the blood brain barrier, a cell layer regulating substance passage into the central nervous system. The study aims to identify mechanisms behind damage and potential biomarkers for clinical use.
A study of over 1 million Swedish men found that high blood pressure at age 18 was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Early intervention for hypertension may be critical to reducing later cardiovascular events.
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
A new study found that only a third of US adults were able to achieve complete financial independence from their parents. Instead, most people fall into one of six categories of intergenerational support pathways, which are influenced by race, education level, and other social factors.
Exposure to plasticizers during pregnancy has been linked to smaller total gray matter in the brains of children at age 10. Additionally, maternal exposure to certain phthalates is associated with lower child IQ at age 14. The relationship between exposure and lower IQ is partially influenced by total gray matter volumes.
A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...
A new study by Trinity College Dublin found that Irish secondary schools are among the most socio-economically integrated in Europe for reading literacy. Despite varying levels of privileged and underprivileged students, Irish schools have relatively small gaps in literacy scores between these groups.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for self-harm and suicidal ideation among adolescents, particularly young female adolescents. The disruptions of the pandemic may have contributed to this trend.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds an association between vaping and asthma in US adolescents who have never smoked conventional tobacco products. The study highlights the need for strategies to tackle e-cigarette use and its adverse health effects.
A major new study found American teenagers are more likely to brag about their math ability, with high levels of overconfidence in other areas. Research using PISA data revealed those from North America and advantaged backgrounds tend to overclaim their knowledge.
A longitudinal study of over 8,100 women reveals seven pathways that illustrate the long-term ripple effects of major life events. The research highlights the fluidity of education in many women's lives and challenges traditional notions of adulthood.
A study by the University of Delaware found that structural stigma negatively impacts LGB individuals, leading to later coming-out ages and longer closet durations. The research used EU-LGBTI Survey II data from over 137,000 participants across 28 European countries.
Research shows that young people who vape are more likely to experience chronic stress and have poorer quality of life. However, the study did not find a direct causal link between vaping and stress.
A recent analysis of data from New Jersey found that the rate of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts remained relatively stable, but diagnoses of suicidal ideation increased significantly over a 12-year period. The study suggests that changes in healthcare screening recommendations and coding regulations may be driving t...
Researchers at UCSF Health found a way to help teens adjust to their natural sleep-cycle rhythms while fulfilling school responsibilities. The Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, especially among night-owl adolescents.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that cyberbullying is associated with binge eating, weight gain worries and body image distress among 10-14 year olds. The study suggests that limiting social media that encourages eating disorders and appearance comparisons can help prevent these issues.
A study of 10,258 US adolescents found that victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying were more likely to experience eating disorder symptoms. Cyberbullying was associated with worrying about weight gain, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction.
A national survey found anaemia affects 6 out of 10 female adolescents in India, with a rise in cases reported in 21 states. The study analyzed data from the Indian Demographic and Health Surveys between 2015-2021
A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that increasing pediatric readiness in emergency departments can reduce racial disparities in children and adolescents with acute medical emergencies. The higher the level of readiness, the lower the disparity between racial and ethnic groups.
A study of over 170,000 students aged 15 found that one in five from low-income families or deprived areas are vulnerable to phishing. Teenagers with poor learning skills are also more likely to fall victim to email scams.
The University of Basel is launching a new research centre for child health with support from Fondation Botnar. The centre aims to drive innovative research benefiting children globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. New professorships will focus on digital technologies, ethics, and public health.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that improved sleep can significantly reduce impulsive behaviors in children exposed to stressful environments. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 children aged 9-10, discovered that lack of sleep and long sleep latency were linked to increased impulsivity.
A new study found that boys' sleep patterns remain stable until around age 12, suggesting that social and behavioral factors may play a role in sleep problems. After this age, changes in sleep patterns may begin to occur, making it essential for parents to seek help when needed.
Researchers at UC Irvine issue a warning that GLP-1RA's may be dangerous for children due to the risk of nutrient imbalance and abuse. The team notes that children need energy and sufficient calories for growth and development, and any change in their diet and exercise balance can have long-term health consequences.