Articles tagged with Adolescents
A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that hospitalised young people with a gender dysphoria diagnosis were four to five times more likely to experience self-harm or suicide attempts compared to those without the condition. This highlights the need for improved support and care for this vulnerable group.
A recent study by Washington State University found that rural public schools are less likely to provide mental health services compared to urban schools, with only 38.3% offering treatment. Rural schools also reported lower funding and lack of access to qualified professionals as barriers to providing these services.
Research in rats suggests that hormonal contraceptives may alter the developing prefrontal cortex, increasing stress hormone production and disrupting signal transmission. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of birth control on teenage behavior and mood.
A study of 1779 adolescents found that early-life elevated lipids and dyslipidemia are linked to worsening subclinical atherosclerosis. Conversely, treatment at age 17 effectively halted progression and even reversed it. This critical evidence emphasizes the need for early-life screening and prevention.
Rates of complications, death, and subsequent surgery were similar for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with severe obesity. Adolescents who underwent sleeve gastrectomy had lower emergency room visits and hospital admissions compared to those who had gastric bypass surgery.
A study by CHOP researchers found that financial stress during the pandemic contributed to depressive symptoms in adolescents across all income groups. The effect was most pronounced in low-income adolescents, but also affected those with lower pre-pandemic household income.
Researchers found that higher levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women were associated with increased anxiety scores in their children at age 12. The study suggests that exposure to flame retardants during early brain development may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.
A large study found that children who experienced adversity, including serious family illness or death, poverty, neglect, or dysfunctional relationships, are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, followed nearly 1.3 million children and found a 60%...
A study from University of Cambridge found that young people who feel poorer than their friends have lower self-esteem and are more likely to be bullied. Feeling economically equal among peers had the best outcomes for mental health and social behavior.
A study found that ER visits for suicidal thoughts among youth aged 5-19 increased by 59% from 2016-2017 to 2019-2021, with hospitalizations rising by 57%. The research highlights the need for improved mental wellness support and training for healthcare providers.
A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.
Adolescents in war-torn regions experienced high war trauma and daily stress, with 60% witnessing armed attacks. The study found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared to those living outside the conflict zone.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found significant long-term morbidity in children, adolescents, and adults after COVID-19 infection. Children and adolescents are at risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome, with rates of malaise, cough, and headache increased compared to controls.
A new study found that intermittent fasting is associated with disordered eating behaviors, including binge-eating and compensatory behaviors like vomiting and compulsive exercise. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 adolescents and young adults and found that 47% of women, 38% of men, and 52% transgender or gender non-conforming i...
A study of nearly 20,000 sub-Saharan adolescents found that loneliness, hunger, anxiety, and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation. In contrast, those with peer and parental support had a decreased likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The study proposes a multidisciplinary developmental perspective to understand leadership in adolescence, highlighting the importance of studying youth leadership and its impact on society. Researchers aim to develop leadership interventions to maximize potential and facilitate better diversification of the leadership pipeline.
Researchers found a strong association between outpatient electrolyte abnormalities and subsequent eating disorder diagnoses, suggesting these abnormalities may serve as a screening tool. The median time from the earliest abnormality to diagnosis exceeded one year.
A new study found that genetic factors may underlie the link between unhealthy teenage behaviors and accelerated biological aging. The research, involving 824 twins, suggests that individuals with high body mass index scores or substance use are more likely to experience rapid aging.
A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.
A new study led by Linda Pagani found that watching violent TV during the preschool years can lead to later risks of psychological and academic impairment. Exposure to typical violent screen content at a critical time in brain development can predict later psychological distress and academic risks.
Researchers found age-related changes in the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence. This study provides first-ever evidence of plasticity in the frontal cortex during this critical developmental period.
A significant increase in COVID-19 pandemic-related demand for adolescent eating disorder (ED) care was observed, outstripping available resources. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced ED prevention strategies and improved workforce and program capacity to address this growing concern.
Screen time increased by 52% during the pandemic, with significant increases for individuals ages 12-18 and handheld devices/personal computers.
A survey study of 151,000 students found that e-cigarette users were more likely to initiate tobacco use within minutes of waking. This increase in intensity and addiction is a concern, emphasizing the need for clinicians to address youth nicotine addiction during clinical encounters.
A new analysis reveals that US adolescent e-cigarette use is increasing in intensity, with a significant rise in nicotine addiction over the past few years. The study found that 2.55 million adolescents use e-cigarettes, and 27.6% of them use it daily.
A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.
Researchers found that experiences of early deprivation, such as parental neglect and financial difficulties, were more closely associated with cognitive and emotional functioning in adolescence. Deprivation was also linked to internalizing and externalizing problems, including lower performance on tests of intelligence.
A pilot study found that a school-based prevention program increased knowledge about child sexual abuse norms and laws, and students' intention to avoid or prevent child sexual abuse with younger children. The program showed promise in building a foundation for prevention.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide, an approved obesity drug for adults, also helps adolescents with obesity lose weight and have healthier hearts. After 68 weeks, 72.5% of participants who received semaglutide had achieved at least 5% weight loss compared to just 17% on placebo.
A recent study found that adolescents who answered more COVID-19 test questions correctly also reported lower levels of loneliness and fear of missing out. Teens with better COVID-19 knowledge were less likely to use social media excessively, which contributed to their lower anxiety levels.
A study in Brazil found that reducing childhood poverty could prevent up to 22.5% of future criminal convictions. The researchers analyzed 22 risk factors and interviewed over 1,900 children twice, finding that poverty was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with crime.
A new study from the University of Vermont found that TikTok's most viewed content on food, nutrition, and weight promotes a toxic diet culture, with weight loss and thinness glorified. The study highlights the need for critical thinking skills and a radical rethinking of how we relate to our bodies, food, and health.
A study of over 700 adolescents who underwent puberty suppression and then started gender-affirming hormone treatment found that 98% continued use. The findings contradict recent concerns about regret and support the long-term benefits of hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria.
A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.
A recent analysis found that higher BMI in adolescent men is strongly associated with developing early atrial fibrillation, as well as subsequent worse clinical outcomes after diagnosis. Men with higher BMIs had significantly increased risks of mortality, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
A randomized clinical trial found that targeted health-focused advertisements reduced vaping initiation among US adolescents. The study also showed a decrease in cigarette smoking behaviors among participants.
Cyberbullying experienced by US youth increased during the pandemic, especially among Asian American teens. In 2021, 23% of all youth were targeted online, compared to 17% in 2016 and 2019, with Asian Americans making up 19% of victims, mostly because of their race.
A randomized study with over 1,500 US teens found that Real Cost ads lowered openness to vaping and cigarette smoking. Researchers discovered similar effectiveness for 'health harms' versus 'addiction' themed ads.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening children under 7. Anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence, associated with increased risk of future anxiety or depression. A 2018-2019 survey found 7.8% of children ages 3-17 had a current anxiety disorder
The USPSTF concludes that screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) is insufficient for children under 12, while recommending it for adolescents. Screening for suicidal ideation and attempts is also recommended for all ages in question.
A new study from Indiana University researchers found that young athletes who participate in multidirectional sports build stronger bones, reducing the risk of bone injuries as adults. The study suggests that delaying specialization in running and focusing on 'multidirectional' sports can lead to a more robust skeleton.
Researchers studied survivors of WWII's Dutch Hunger Winter to identify long-term consequences of famine on health and socioeconomic attainment. Malnutrition in utero caused severe physical consequences, while exposure during childhood and adolescence led to negative socioeconomic impacts, especially for males.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that teen drivers engage in risky behaviors such as speeding and handheld cellphone use. The study tracked the driving habits of 165 adolescents in Pennsylvania and found that these behaviors occurred in approximately 40% and 30% of trips, respectively.
Adolescent athletes who had their sports cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced significant improvements in physical activity and quality of life after resuming sports. Despite this, anxiety and depression rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels.
A new study from UCLA found that students who attended high-performing charter schools had a 50% lower rate of alcohol use disorder compared to waitlisted students. Males in the intervention group also reported better physical health and lower obesity rates, while females did not show similar benefits.
A study found that excessive physical activity during adolescence is associated with abnormal leg alignment, which can develop into a physiological adaptation to load where the shin bone meets the knee. This abnormal alignment may increase the risk of future injuries and osteoarthritis if modified during critical periods of growth.
In some sub-Saharan African countries, up to 88% of adolescents express vaccine hesitancy due to safety and efficacy concerns. The study identifies determinants of this phenomenon, shedding light on strategies to improve vaccination rates in the region.
High-quality parenting practices during adolescence lay foundation for close relationships with young adult children, according to new research. Parents who maintain positive involvement and warmth with teens in early years are more likely to have closer relationships when children become adults.
A two-week intervention targeting the circadian system helped shift teens' bedtime by an hour and a half earlier, increasing total sleep time by approximately an hour. The study also found improved concentration, reduced irritability, and better morning alertness in participants.
A study of 11,600 adolescents found e-cigarette ads and peer influence significantly associated with starting vape use. Efforts to address youth vaping should consider reducing ad exposure and peer pressure measures.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.
A new study emphasizes the need for a collective approach to build digital resilience in children, involving home environments, schools, policymakers, and internet corporations. The findings highlight the importance of considering contextual factors such as family support in promoting tailored approaches.
Researchers found that using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) during adolescence may actually be associated with developing less severe breast enlargement. COCs did not seem to affect the severity of breast enlargement, and there was no significant difference in the rate of breast regrowth between patients who used or didn't use COC...
Pediatricians and primary care physicians can identify and treat pediatric post-COVID-19 symptoms using new guidelines. The guidelines include best practices from Kennedy Krieger's Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic.
A study of 332 adolescents found that higher levels of DHA were associated with better selective and sustained attention, while ALA was linked to lower impulsivity. The results suggest the importance of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain development.
The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis in asymptomatic, nonpregnant individuals who have ever been sexually active. Syphilis cases increased from a record low in 2000 to 11.9 cases per 100,000 population in 2019.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that gender-affirming top surgery significantly improved chest dysphoria and gender congruence among transmasculine and nonbinary individuals designated female at birth. The procedure was also associated with enhanced body image, with minimal surgical complications reported.
A 28-year study tracked over 500,000 US adolescents and found that low social engagement and participation in structured activities are key predictors of substance abuse avoidance. Conversely, highly social and engaged groups with less supervision were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
A 28-year study tracking over 500,000 adolescents in the US found a decline in substance abuse, except for an increase in cannabis and vaping use. Low social engagement and participation in structured activities were key predictors of substance abuse avoidance.