Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
The study found good protection against meningococcal disease in vaccinated individuals, but no overall reduction in bacterial carriage. The findings highlight the importance of individual vaccination and identify high-risk behaviors associated with bacterial transmission.
A new study found a significant association between maternal depression and atopic dermatitis in children, with higher odds of developing the condition later in childhood. The research also suggests that postpartum depression is linked to more persistent disease and increased sleep disturbance among affected children.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to identify adolescents at high risk of depression in young adulthood using data from Brazilian adolescents. The tool demonstrated strong performance in Brazil but weaker results in UK and New Zealand samples due to differences in diagnostic measures, highlighting the need for local adaptation.
A new study found that cyberbullying significantly increases symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anger, and fantasy dissociation among young people. Participants who reported being cyberbullied also showed higher levels of lifetime emotional abuse.
A long-term study found that bariatric surgery does not improve general mental health in adolescents despite substantial weight loss. Mental health problems persisted, and those who underwent surgery had more hospital-based care for mental health issues.
A new study by Flinders University finds that teenagers' online impulsivity is a significant risk factor for cybercrime. The internet's blurring of social boundaries encourages thrill-seeking behavior, which can lead to digital piracy, pornography, and hacking. The researchers suggest that policy interventions should take into account ...
A German long-term study reveals that occasional acts of theft and low-level violent crime are common among adolescents, but most drop delinquent behavior after adolescence. The study highlights the importance of good relationships, parental attentiveness, and socialization in reducing juvenile crime.
A recent study contradicts a 2019 finding that linked the Netflix series '13 Reasons Why' to an increase in adolescent suicide rates among boys. After controlling for secular trends, the reanalysis found no effect from the show's release on boys or girls.
Detained adolescents experience high rates of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopment disabilities. A whole-of-system approach is needed to address health and social inequalities in childhood and adolescence.
A UCLA-led study found that family-focused therapy can delay new and recurring bipolar symptoms in children and teens. The treatment, which involves teaching patients and families better communication skills, resulted in 77% of adolescents recovering from initial symptoms within four years.
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that parents' consistent bedtime enforcement is associated with longer sleep duration and better mental health outcomes for teenagers. The study suggests that even without pre-bedtime conflict, parents' role in setting bedtimes yields positive results.
A study examining childhood weight and obesity in adolescence found that excess weight at age 3 was associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese at age 15. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity in mothers was also a significant predictor of this outcome.
Researchers identified changes in neural circuits supporting executive function and self-control during adolescence, finding that complex brain areas like the prefrontal cortex develop later and have higher structure-function coupling, leading to improved cognitive abilities.
Research shows adolescents struggling with mental health issues have distinct neural connections that affect cognitive control and attention. The study provides new insights into the brain development of adolescents with mental health problems, potentially informing diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that computer-based attention training reduced anxiety in 50% of participants. The treatment involved targeting neutral or threatening stimuli, leading to comparable reductions in anxiety. This promising result provides a potential aug...
Clinicians are advised to screen, counsel and treat youth for vaping using well-studied models and youth-friendly terminology. The guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying relapse, providing positive reinforcement and revisiting treatment plans for effective cessation.
A recent study by MU researcher Nancy Cheak-Zamora found that many young adults with autism struggle to achieve independence due to a disconnect between caregiver support and individual efforts. The research recommends shifting the perception towards strengths and skill sets, providing opportunities for mastery of tasks like cooking an...
Marijuana vaping reported by US adolescents increased from 2018 to 2019, with a notable rise in 10th and 12th graders. The study found an absolute increase of 6.5% among 12th graders and up to 5.6% among 10th graders.
A study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that mothers' coaching styles can impact adolescent peer adjustment. Low reactive youth benefited from active, engaged coping strategies, whereas high reactive kids fared better with self-reliant suggestions. This suggests a personalized approach to parenting is necessary to address...
A major new study found that around 15% of UK teenagers reported self-harm, with teenage girls being significantly more likely than boys. The study links poor mental health and wellbeing among 14-year-old girls to factors such as gender inequality and poverty.
A Rutgers study found that black teenagers experience over 5,600 instances of racial discrimination per day, with most occurring online and leading to short-term increases in depressive symptoms. The researchers argue that racial teasing is a critical aspect of the daily experience and health of black teens.
Adolescents and young adults ages 12-21 are at similar risk for prescription opioid overdose as adults, with mental health or substance use disorders increasing overdose odds by three times. Safe prescribing practices include using short-acting opioids and avoiding concurrent prescriptions with benzodiazepines.
A new study confirms breastfeeding is crucial for preventing diabetes, as early weaning increases insulin secretion and susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that not breastfed rat pups are more likely to develop insulin resistance and the adult form of the disease.
A global review of over 50 studies covering 22,000 children found that daily physical activity declined by 3-4 minutes per year, starting from ages 4 or 5. The study indicates that all age groups and genders face a high risk of declining physical activity, emphasizing the need for early promotion and parental involvement.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that scenes of unjustified and justified violence in movies activate different parts of the adolescent brain. Viewers show a synchronized response in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex when watching justified violence, suggesting they see it as acceptable for self- or f...
A new study found that varenicline tartrate is effective in quitting smoking among adolescents, with a higher rate of long-term success compared to the placebo group. However, it did not prevent relapse. The researchers suggest pairing medication with therapy and behavioral treatments for better results.
A new study found that 77% of girls in mid-Western Nepal still sleep outside in menstruation huts, despite the practice being criminalized in 2018. The tradition, rooted in ancient Hindu customs, exposes women to harsh conditions, including animal bites and smoke inhalation.
Intensive Crisis Intervention (ICI) has been shown to significantly reduce suicidal ideation in adolescents, with a three-month follow-up finding average SIQ-Jr scores decreased from 54.3 to 20.1. The model's family engagement component and focus on developing coping mechanisms are key to its success.
Research found that social media use is associated with disordered eating behaviors and thoughts in young adolescents, especially girls. The study also identified strict exercise and meal skipping as common practices among adolescents with disordered eating.
A recent study found that platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are linked to disordered eating behaviors in young girls and boys. The research suggests that social media use is associated with a higher likelihood of disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, particularly among those who spend more time on these platforms.
A review of 131 studies covering 12,000 people identified two brain networks that appear to play an important role in increasing suicide risk. These networks involve the medial and lateral ventral prefrontal cortex and the dorsal prefrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus system.
A large-scale study has found a significant prevalence of 'chew and spit' eating behaviour among adolescent teenagers, with 12.2% of respondents reporting the behaviour. The study also links chew-and-spit to increased psychological distress, lower health-related quality of life, and associated disordered eating habits.
Researchers found brain damage in obese adolescents related to inflammation, particularly in regions controlling appetite and emotions. The study used MRI to track white matter damage and correlated it with inflammatory markers such as leptin and insulin.
Recent study finds parental marijuana use is a risk factor for increased substance abuse among adolescents and young adults, with no association found between parental marijuana use and opioid misuse by children. The study analyzed data from 24,900 parent-child pairs, accounting for environmental factors.
This observational study explored ethnic and racial differences between parents' educational attainment and young people's behavior, academic performance, and health outcomes. The study found associations between higher parental education levels and improved youth outcomes across various domains.
A study found that 94% of adolescents in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington reported exposure to marijuana marketing on social media. This exposure is linked to recent marijuana use by adolescents. The researchers suggest that current restrictions on social media content are not effective in preventing exposure.
The study found that globally, in 2016, 81% of 11- to 17-year-old school students did not reach WHO recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The gap between boys' and girls' physical activity levels has grown, with more than 80% of girls being inactive.
A new study found a decline in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among American children and teens, with significant reductions in soda consumption. However, the study also revealed that nearly three-quarters of SNAP recipients still consume sugary drinks on a typical day.
A study at Washington State University found that boredom is increasing year after year for teens in grades 8-12, with greater increases for girls. This rise is linked to growing depressive symptoms and decreased social interaction, highlighting the need for interventions to address adolescent dissatisfaction.
Recent studies highlight the benefits of bariatric surgery in adolescents, showing significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain, physical function, and quality of life after three years. Additionally, researchers found that patients may be at risk for iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies years after surgery.
Research reveals that adolescent binge drinking can lead to altered gene expression, increasing susceptibility to anxiety and alcohol use disorders in adulthood. Targeting specific microRNAs may be a new approach to undoing the damage of early-life alcohol exposure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that intermittent exposure to high levels of alcohol in adolescent animals leads to altered gene expression in adulthood. Blocking microRNA-137 in adulthood reverses or reduces the lasting effects of youth drinking, such as increased anxiety and alcohol use.
A Danish study found that teenagers with cleanliness rituals and poor insights into their condition are more likely to struggle with OCD despite standard cognitive behavioural therapy. Almost 60% of the patients experienced a worrying relapse after three years.
Adolescents from sexual minorities in the UK are more likely to experience mental health problems, self-harm, and bullying compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The study found that sexual minority adolescents face higher rates of depression, lower life satisfaction, and increased substance use.
A new study reveals a 16% decline in the relationship between binge drinking and depressive symptoms among high schoolers from 1991 to 2018. The decline is even more pronounced among girls, with a 25% decrease in the association.
Cases of melanoma declined among US adolescents and young adults from 2006 to 2015, with incidence rates dropping by 4% per year for males and 4.5% per year for females in the two age groups. Public health efforts advocating sun protection may be contributing to this trend.
A study analyzing US melanoma data found a decline in adolescent and young adult cases between 2006 and 2015, while older adults experienced an increase in melanoma rates during the same period. The research used registry data to determine age-specific annual rates of melanoma.
Researchers have identified patterns of spinal curvature in younger children that may develop into scoliosis by adolescence. The study suggests that the shape of a person's sagittal profile can be a leading cause of scoliosis, and may eventually guide early interventions for children at risk.
A new study found that problematic marijuana use increased by 25% among adolescents aged 12-17, while past-month frequent use rose by 23% among adults aged 26 or older after recreational legalization. The study suggests investing in substance use prevention and treatment to prevent unintended harms.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that children who experienced maltreatment are more likely to engage in delinquent and offending behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood. Males showed a significantly higher frequency of non-violent offending behaviors compared to females, with no differences by race or sexual orientation.
A multi-institutional study found that adolescents with Type 2 diabetes experienced improved hyperfiltration and reduced elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio after gastric bypass surgery compared to adults. In contrast, adults with pre-existing diabetes did not show significant improvements until five years post-surgery.
A new analysis found that 21% of adolescents and 32% of young adults used prescription opioids in the past year. Misuse rates were higher among young adults, with 57% obtaining them from friends or relatives. The study highlights the importance of screening for opioid use in this vulnerable population.
A school-based sleep education program may benefit adolescents by reducing insufficient sleep and improving sleep knowledge. The program showed promising results, with participants two times less likely to report insufficient sleep at follow-up.
A study of over 14,000 US teenagers found that mint was the most popular JUUL flavor among 12th and 10th graders, while mango was favored by eighth graders. The findings raise questions about regulations to reduce e-cigarette use by adolescents
A new study suggests that adolescent e-cigarette users are more similar to conventional cigarette smokers than non-tobacco users. E-cigarette use is not associated with an increased risk of current smoking among teens, but its prevalence has risen significantly among youth in recent years.
A study of 744 rural high school students found that at least 19% reported changes in their self-labeled sexual identity over a three-year period. Notable differences were seen between male and female students, with girls reporting more changes than boys.
A recent study found that teens who visit emergency departments for self-harm are five times more likely to have repeat visits and three times more likely to die from any cause compared to non-self-harming youth. The study also reveals that these adolescents incur significantly higher health costs over the following five years.
Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.
A new study found that girls are less likely to engage in physical activities, with reduced social support and modeling from parents and peers. Interventions targeting peer modeling may help mitigate age-related decline in physical activity among girls.
A study by University at Buffalo found that teenagers with a positive relationship with their mother are less likely to enter abusive relationships. The research discovered that the child's relationship with their mother serves as a buffer, promoting feelings of self-worth and reducing the risk of abuse.