Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Leading researchers discuss challenges associated with return to school for children and adolescents with TBI, highlighting the need for improved educator training and communication. Strategies for improving quality of life and outcomes are recommended by experts in this themed issue.
Research by Fiona Baker of SRI's Human Sleep Lab highlights the deep connections between adolescent sleep and overall health. Studies have shown that poor sleep patterns can affect brain development, weight gain, cognitive decline, and socioemotional difficulties in adolescents.
A nationwide study in the UK found a significant rise in eating disorders and self-harm among adolescent girls between March 2020 and March 2022. The rate of eating disorder diagnoses was 42% higher than expected, with 3,862 observed cases compared to 2,713 projected cases.
Unaccompanied migrant children are vulnerable to persistent emotional distress due to their experiences. Ongoing psychosocial support is crucial after resettlement to mitigate these symptoms.
A recent single-hospital study found that among 82 transgender and gender-diverse adolescents treated between 2016-2018, only three chose to discontinue gender-affirming hormone therapy. The reasons for discontinuation were often due to external factors, not re-transitioning to the assigned sex at birth.
A retrospective cohort study reveals that racial disparities in tooth decay among children are significantly influenced by insurance type and dental procedure types. The study's findings suggest targeted strategies can be developed to reduce oral health disparities.
Research at University of South Australia finds that concussions can lead to a significant increased risk of future injury, even after recovery. The study suggests longer recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma.
Children and teenagers with diabetes frequently employ inaccurate CGM alarm settings, which may lead to reduced usefulness of these devices. Research highlights the importance of following recommended alarm best practices to ensure patients receive real-time glycemic data while minimizing alarm fatigue.
A study by Swansea University found that teaching mental health literacy in schools significantly improves pupils' knowledge, behaviours, and intentions to seek help. The Guide Cymru programme, developed with Action for Children, demonstrates a positive impact on young people's wellbeing.
A yearlong science program with family members led to increased interest in STEM subjects and a lifelong engagement. Children who participated showed more enthusiasm for science and were more likely to envision themselves as scientists, while their families reported renewed interest in science at home.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that TV medical dramas prompted middle schoolers to engage in discussion about vaping dangers after viewing clips featuring fictional adolescents with vaping-associated lung disease. The study suggests using entertainment television as a tool for dialogue about the health effects of e-cigarette use.
A study published in Radiology found that weight-loss surgery, specifically sleeve gastrectomy, has negative effects on bone health in adolescents and young adults. The procedure led to an increase in bone marrow fat and a decrease in bone density, suggesting potential long-term consequences for bone health and fracture risk.
A recent NIH-funded study found that only 1 in 4 residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents under 18 years old offer buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. The study highlights a significant gap in access to evidence-based treatment among young people, with many facilities not offering this life-saving medication d...
According to the study, 18.6% of adolescents experience low mood, with girls more likely to suffer from the condition, affecting 25.1% of them. The research highlights contextual factors such as sexual violence and physical inactivity as contributing to these gender differences.
A new study reveals that only one in four adolescent residential treatment centers across the US provides buprenorphine, a proven tool in fighting opioid addiction. The lack of access to this medication undercuts US efforts to alleviate the overdose epidemic, which claimed over 109,000 lives in 2022.
Only one in four US adolescent residential addiction treatment facilities offer buprenorphine and one in eight offer it for ongoing treatment. Nearly two-thirds of adult residential facilities provide this medication, highlighting a significant gap in care for adolescents.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...
Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.
A recent study found that pre-teen girls who drank 100% fruit juice had long-term positive dietary benefits and met Dietary Guideline recommendations for whole fruit. The study also showed racial differences in fruit consumption, with black girls consuming more 100% juice throughout adolescence.
A University of Chicago Education Lab study found that a school-based group counseling program can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls. The program, Working on Womanhood (WOW), was found to reduce PTSD symptoms by 22% among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that children and teenagers who volunteer tend to flourish mentally and physically. Volunteers were in better physical health, had a more positive outlook on life, and were less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.
NUTRITION 2023 will feature research announcements, expert discussions on emerging topics like artificial intelligence and precision nutrition. The meeting will also focus on adolescent nutrient deficiencies and their long-term consequences on health.
The Phase 3 S1826 trial demonstrates one-year progression-free survival in 94% of patients with Stage 3 or 4 classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated with nivolumab and chemotherapy. The therapy was well-tolerated, with few serious immune-related side effects.
Researchers have uncovered a possible explanation for why frequent cannabis users are leaner and less prone to diabetes than non-users. The study found that adolescent exposure to low-dose THC disrupts energy balance and adipose organ homeostasis in adulthood, leading to reduced fat mass and increased lean mass.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.
A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.
A recent study analyzed the impact of vulnerable friendships on Chinese adolescents' social networks, finding that befriending a victimized peer can decrease depressive symptoms but increase victimization. Classroom supportive norms play a crucial role in mitigating these effects.
Researchers presented findings on pembrolizumab for brain metastases, virtual mind-body interventions for post-treatment survival, and dynamic HER2-low status in triple negative breast cancer. The studies aim to improve treatments and outcomes for patients with cancer.
A Marshall University study found that a virtual sex education tool improved reproductive health knowledge scores and measures of self-efficacy among adolescent girls. The online curriculum, www.marshallteentalk.org, was designed to provide accurate and accessible reproductive health information.
Researchers found volunteering associated with higher odds of excellent health and flourishing in children and adolescents, as well as lower anxiety in adolescents and behavioral problems in children. The study used survey data from across the US to explore the relationship between volunteering and child and adolescent health.
The prevalence of depression among adolescents increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 youths during the pandemic. More than 60% of adolescents with MDD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teen girls who experience greater interpersonal stress and have difficulty solving interpersonal problems are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior. The research suggests that problem-solving deficits under distress may contribute to this link.
A national study published in Sleep Health found that screen habits linked to better sleep include keeping devices out of the bedroom and avoiding screens before bedtime. The study analyzed data from 10,280 preteens aged 10-14 and found that 15.5% reported trouble falling or staying asleep in the past two weeks.
A study of 5,813 youths found that socially vulnerable communities experienced a disproportionate number of assault-related firearm deaths. Stricter gun laws were associated with lower death rates, but disadvantaged communities remained disproportionately impacted.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that fewer boys aged 15-19 commit suicide in Swedish regions with higher bipolar diagnoses. The study, which analyzed registry data from 2008 to 2021, showed an inverse association between population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and confirmed suicides among males.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that food-insecure US teens tend to consume sugary drinks and junk foods when experiencing emotional distress. The research suggests a link between food insecurity and unhealthy eating habits among adolescents.
The study found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses among female youth, especially adolescents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was most pronounced for eating disorders, with vulnerable populations showing marked increases.
New research highlights the benefits of family-based care for children exposed to early psychosocial deprivation, improving cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social development. The study found that high-quality foster care had a lasting impact on children's brain development and risk of psychopathology.
Teenagers living with obesity who experience uncontrolled hunger are more likely to perceive their weight as negative, worried about its health effects, and actively trying to lose weight. They also report greater dissatisfaction with their body image and higher rates of bullying.
A new national study of over 50,000 US adolescents reveals a strong association between vaping nicotine and increased likelihood of high-level cannabis usage and binge drinking. The findings highlight the need for sustained interventions to address co-occurring substance use among young people.
A study of treatment-naïve transgender youth found that nearly two-thirds reported eating an unhealthy diet, over three-quarters did not engage in physical activity, and half did not get enough sleep. The research highlights the need for individualized medical and nutrition interventions to protect their long-term metabolic and cardiov...
A new analysis of the STEP TEENS trial shows that nearly half (45%) of adolescents using semaglutide lost enough weight to drop below the clinical cut-off for obesity. Treatment with semaglutide reduced the proportion of participants with severe obesity from 37% to 14% after 68 weeks.
A new substudy of the STEP TEENS trial shows that semaglutide significantly reduces levels of liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are indicators of liver damage. The study found improvements in ALT levels with weight loss of ≥10%.
A recent study found that youth are unaware of the sources of nicotine in e-cigarettes and are misled by industry language, increasing appeal. The study's findings suggest that describing synthetic nicotine as 'tobacco-free' can increase intentions to purchase e-cigarettes among youth.
A nationwide register-based study found significant increases in psychiatric diagnoses among Finnish children and adolescents during the pandemic, with notable rises in eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights concerns about gaps in services and accessibility during times of crisis.
A study of 2,165 Dutch adolescents suggests no difference in global brain volume between those reporting gender diversity and those not. However, a correlation was found with specific brain features in the inferior temporal gyrus among males assigned at birth.
A new study found that overweight boys tend to have lower testicular volume, putting them at risk for infertility in adulthood. The research suggests that weight loss could help patients avoid infertility later in life.
A study in Kenya's Nairobi city found that preadolescents' diets are shifting towards unhealthy Western patterns, leading to increased obesity. Researchers suggest interventions using peer counselors and lay health educators to promote healthy lifestyles.
Fentanyl-related pediatric deaths increased substantially from 2013 to 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating this public health crisis. Annual deaths peaked in 2020 and 2021, indicating a more than 6-fold increase among children under 5 years.
A Columbia University study found that casual cannabis use by adolescents raises the risk of depression, suicidality, and problem behaviors. Nondisordered cannabis users were 2-2.5 times more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes and behavioral problems compared to teens who didn’t use cannabis.
A new study finds that restricting flavored e-cigarettes to tobacco flavor only can significantly decrease their use among teens and young adults. The majority of current users would discontinue use if the product became available in tobacco version only.
A systematic review of 53 studies found significant increases in depression symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with female individuals and those from higher-income backgrounds most affected. Anxiety symptoms also rose slightly during this time.
A NYU Abu Dhabi study reveals that improvements in visual functions are linked to changes in white matter pathways and specific brain regions. The research confirms the potential of cataract surgery to improve visual function and brain plasticity, especially when performed at a younger age.
A Rutgers study found that childhood trauma has a significant impact on the development of justice-involved Black youth, influencing risky sexual behaviors and substance misuse. The study suggests that trauma-informed education can improve wellbeing and reduce rates of incarceration for these youth.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts for adolescents stuck in negative thought spirals. The study, led by Hannah Lawrence, suggests that mental imagery can help break up the thought spiral and seek help from a therapist or support system.
The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine demonstrated strong safety and immunogenicity profiles in a clinical trial of over 2,200 adolescents. The study found the vaccine to be efficacious in preventing COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
A large national study found that preteens carrying excess weight have notable differences in cognitive performance, brain structures, and brain circuitry. The association is concerning as it suggests that excess BMI may impact brain development and function.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
A new liposome-based method aims to kill periodontitis-causing leukotoxin while protecting immune cells, providing an alternative treatment for aggressive gum infections. The approach has potential applications against a range of bacteria and could help combat antibiotic resistance.
The rate of suspected suicide attempts by poisoning among children and adolescents ages 10-19 increased 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. The most common substances involved were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, highlighting the need for comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.