Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A study of 14-year-olds from Ireland, England, France, and Germany found increased volume of brain regions in teenagers who reported limited cannabis use. The researchers identified associations between increased grey matter volume and assessments of reasoning and anxiety.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that recalling positive experiences can reduce vulnerability to depression in young people. The study found that remembering specific positive memories was associated with fewer negative self-related thoughts and lower levels of cortisol, indicating improved resilience against stress.
A study found that therapists can improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with depression by regularly assessing symptoms and augmenting treatment. Implementing this approach led to better symptom reduction compared to waiting until Week 8, according to a 16-week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.
A new study found that only half of US adolescents report having private time with their healthcare provider, despite professional guidelines recommending confidential services. Young people who receive private time have more positive attitudes towards their provider and clinical preventive services.
A new study found that exposure to cannabis and stress during adolescence can lead to long-term anxiety disorders. The researchers observed impaired fear extinction in adult mice treated with THC and exposed to stress, suggesting a deregulation in the circuit that regulates fear.
Researchers found that while some peer crowds remain constant, new groups like 'anime/manga' fans and 'loners' have emerged, reflecting changing times. Academic anxiety is on the rise among high-achieving students, who fear disappointing their parents.
Research from Duke University found that young people who self-harm and commit violent crime have a history of childhood maltreatment and lower self-control. Programs aimed at preventing childhood maltreatment or improving self-control among self-harmers could help prevent violent crime.
This study examines the prevalence of malnutrition among adolescent girls aged 16-19 in India and its association with socio-economic factors. The research aims to evaluate the progress of nutritional programs targeting adolescents, a critical age group for future health outcomes.
A study of 2,223 children found that physical aggression typically declines before elementary school but a small proportion have high problems into adolescence, increasing risk for violent crime and social maladjustment. Interventions during pregnancy and early childhood may help prevent high physical aggression in high-risk families.
Researchers found that age and sex play a greater role in forming psychological boundaries than culture. In the study, youth had a higher level of personal sovereignty than adolescents, with men being more concerned with territory sovereignty and women with time habits sovereignty.
A new study reveals that firearm-related deaths are the second leading cause of death among US children and teens, accounting for over 60% of preventable deaths. The rate of firearm-related death remains persistent, with over eight children dying daily, and disproportionately affects urban adolescents and African-American youth.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found significant shifts in Afghan attitudes towards education and child marriage in underdeveloped regions. The research, conducted among nearly 1,400 Afghans aged 12-15 and their parents, indicates that getting married at a young age and leaving school early have be...
A new study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases describes the use of a child-compatible, hand-held device to assess pulmonary function in teens with DMD. The results show that weekly use of the device was well accepted by participants, with high adherence rates and reliable data compared to standard spirometry.
Researchers discovered that genetically vulnerable mice exposed to marijuana showed increased inflammation in brain cells linked to serious mental illnesses. The study suggests that marijuana's brain-damaging effects may be more pronounced in teens with a specific genetic mutation.
Researchers found that teens who used cognitive reappraisal had better metabolic measures, while those who suppressed emotions had more inflammation. The study suggests that emotion regulation strategies developed in adolescence can affect health later in life.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that chronic peer victimization during adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain, including decreased volume in areas related to anxiety and depression. The research suggests that early intervention may help mitigate these effects.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that delaying school start times for Seattle high schools resulted in a median increase of 34 minutes of sleep each night. This led to improved academic performance and more consistent wake-up times, with students sleeping in longer and waking up closer to their natural wake-up times.
A study of 4,843 UK adolescents found that those identifying as sexual minorities experienced more depressive symptoms and self-harm than their heterosexual peers, starting at age 10. Depressive symptoms declined from age 18, but this decline was not seen in all groups.
A new UCL-led study found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth experience higher depressive symptoms starting at age 10 and persisting through adolescence. The study also showed that LGBQ young people are four times more likely to self-harm with suicidal intent than their heterosexual peers.
A recent study by FSU researchers found significant racial disparities in flu vaccine rates among adolescents. Black teens received significantly lower vaccination rates than their white and Hispanic peers. The researchers suggest targeted interventions to improve vaccination rates and reduce disparities.
A study found that only 53% of UK schools have received staff training on self-harm, highlighting the need for comprehensive training to support students. Despite this, many schools see themselves as a site for prevention and intervention activities, indicating a positive approach to addressing adolescent self-harm.
A new study from iPSYCH shows that childhood infections increase the risk of mental disorders, with high temperatures and hospital admissions being particularly associated. The study found an 84% increased risk of mental disorders in children who were hospitalized for infections.
Research reveals that African American race, rural residence, and low socioeconomic status are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in adolescent mothers. Social determinants of health play a crucial role in driving inequalities in adolescent perinatal health.
A study by Australian Dietitian Melissa Whitelaw found that 51 patients with 'atypical anorexia' had significant eating disorder psychopathology but were not underweight. The patients experienced life-threatening complications such as low pulse rates and deranged blood electrolytes despite being within or above the healthy weight range.
An observational study found a higher risk of subsequent opioid use and abuse among patients exposed to opioids prescribed by dental providers. The study, examining outpatient opioid prescriptions for patients aged 16-25, suggests increased scrutiny is needed during third-molar extractions and postoperative care
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that opioid prescriptions for children and adolescents have been steadily decreasing since 2012. The analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 showed a significant decline in outpatient opioid prescription rates, with a notable decrease in hydrocodone bitartrate prescriptions.
A new study published in Obesity found that children and adolescents with common obesity gene variants can still lose weight through lifestyle interventions. The researchers examined 754 participants, aged 11.6 years, who underwent a series of behavioral lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity, and sleep habits....
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that adolescents who see e-cigarette adverts are more likely to use both e-cigarettes and smoke tobacco cigarettes. The researchers used a large sample of German school pupils to investigate the impact of advertising on young people's behavior.
A study of 4,500 US children aged 9-10 found an overall frequency of eating disorder diagnoses at 1.4%, with no significant differences between girls and boys. The prevalence of specific disorders varied, including anorexia nervosa (0.1%), binge-eating disorder (0.6%), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (0.7%).
New research suggests that adolescents with conduct problems are more likely to use cannabis and develop a disorder. The study found no link between cannabis use and increased behavior problems among teens.
A University of Guelph study found that teenagers and young adults who participate in family dinners have healthier eating habits, consuming more fruits and veggies and fewer fast-food items. Family dinners also model healthful eating behaviors for parents and adolescents alike.
This study of 2,728 teenagers found that frequent family meals were associated with eating more fruits and vegetables, and less fast food. Regular family dinners may encourage healthful eating habits in adolescents and young adults regardless of family dynamics.
Researchers suggest that sugar-sweetened beverages may be addictive, particularly among teenagers. A recent study found that deprivation of sugary drinks led to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, decreased motivation, and cravings in 25 adolescent participants.
A Michigan Medicine study finds that nearly half of suicidal adolescents who watched Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' reported an increased suicide risk, highlighting the need for parental vigilance and tailored prevention programming. The majority of teens who discussed their reactions with peers did so without a parent's involvement.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teens increasingly choose pot over alcohol and cigarettes. The average school grade during which young people first tried alcohol and cigarettes has increased, with a significant drop in the proportion who used cigarettes before marijuana.
Parents and adolescents largely agree on preventive care and confidentiality, but doctors have a different opinion. The study suggests that providing opportunities for private conversations with a doctor can lead to better health outcomes.
The USPSTF recommends screening adults 18 and older for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. Brief behavioral counseling interventions can also help reduce hazardous drinking. In contrast, the evidence is insufficient regarding screening in adolescents 12-17. The goal is to prevent premature death and birth defects related t...
A new study found that teenage girls who engage in serious forms of self-harm show brain features similar to those seen in adults with borderline personality disorder. The research highlights the need for prevention and early intervention in those at high risk of suicide.
Adolescents with obesity experience decreased pleasure from eating, while those with healthy food relationships show increased enjoyment, highlighting the importance of making food a positive experience. Healthy eating habits may serve as a protective factor against eating and weight-related disorders.
A recent study in Massachusetts found that adolescent females have a higher rate of non-fatal opioid overdoses compared to males, while receiving insufficient medication for post-overdose treatment. The analysis of public data from 2012 to 2014 revealed that only 8% of adolescents were prescribed medications like methadone or buprenorp...
A new study found that insufficient sleep duration is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, increased screen time, and obesity in children. The study suggests that promoting healthy sleeping patterns can help prevent these negative effects.
Since 2012, prescription opioids dispensed to children and adolescents have decreased, with an average of 4 per 1,000 children receiving an outpatient opioid prescription in 2009-2012. Long-term opioid prescription use has also declined since the start of 2017.
A study by the Family Acceptance Project found that LGBT young people experiencing conversion therapy report higher levels of depression, suicidal behavior, and lower self-esteem. Parents serve as gatekeepers for both home-based and external conversion interventions.
Research finds that prenatal exposure to THC can impair learning and memory in adolescents, while also improving symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients. Long-term cannabinoid use alters brain metabolism and connectivity in adults, raising concerns for vulnerable populations.
A study of 28 middle school and high school students found that they take on significant responsibilities in managing medications, often without formal education. The investigation also highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting youth caregivers to promote their well-being and contribute to patient care.
Researchers found that adolescent marijuana use reduces perineuronal net formation around inhibitory cells, affecting decision-making and self-control. This alteration may have long-term consequences for brain function and behavior.
A USC study found that e-cigarette users are just as likely to start smoking tobacco as non-users, and may even be more likely to continue using both. The study surveyed over 6,200 high schoolers and found that vaping did not reduce the likelihood of smoking initiation, contradicting previous assumptions.
Research suggests that adolescents with a particular variant of an opioid receptor gene may be more vulnerable to substance abuse due to altered reward processing. The G-allele carriers showed a muted response in the prefrontal cortex, leading to an increased risk for future substance use problems.
New findings from Neuroscience 2018 present promising avenues for early treatment of mental illness and alcohol/substance use disorders in adolescents. Childhood trauma and genetic variants affecting reward response are identified as key factors impacting adolescent brain development and susceptibility to addiction.
A culturally tailored multilevel strategy increased HPV vaccination rates among low-income, mostly Chinese American adolescent girls and boys. The intervention, which engaged pediatricians, parents, and adolescents through various channels, showed a significant increase in vaccine uptake compared to control groups.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating an online intervention called CATCH-IT. The study found that high-risk adolescents who participated in the CATCH-IT program demonstrated significant risk reduction for depressive episodes, with up to 80% reduction in risk.
A study found that one month of abstinence from cannabis improved memory functions among adolescents and young adults, including the ability to learn and recall new information. Cognitive improvement occurred largely during the first week of abstinence, suggesting that abstaining from cannabis helps young people learn efficiently.
A new study by San Diego State University psychologists found that more hours of screen time are linked to lower well-being in children aged 2-17, with associations larger for adolescents. The study suggests reducing screen time limits to promote mental health and prevent anxiety and depression.
A Johns Hopkins study of over 75,000 teenagers and children found that gunshot wounds result in significant financial burdens and loss of life. The analysis highlights the need for policy changes to prevent firearm-related injuries among youth.
Researchers found that adolescent deviancy training, such as crude talk among friends, signals a pathway to antisocial behaviors and unhealthy adult relationships. Adults who exhibited more deviancy training at age 16-17 were more likely to display coercive behavior in their relationship at age 28-30.
Research at Arizona State University found that high-achieving schools, despite being less risky than poverty or racism, still pose pressure on teens to excel, affecting their mental health. The quality of the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in predicting depressive symptoms and anxiety levels among adolescents.
A study investigated ideal access control rules for smart home devices in networked households, analyzing user preferences and derived suggestions for access management. The researchers found that contextual factors such as age, location, and usage history affect access rights, suggesting a need for customizable settings.
A new CAMH study found that nearly one in eight high school students played social casino games, which are linked with a higher risk of gambling problems among adolescents. The study also found that gameplay is associated with a greater likelihood of transitioning to monetary gambling and experiencing problem gambling.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry found that isoprene levels in cinema air correlate with film age ratings. The study measured over 13,000 audience members during 135 screenings of eleven different movies, providing a reliable indicator for deciding how movies should be classified.
Researchers found that children obese at 5 years old had a 75% likelihood of remaining obese by age 12 and almost 20 times the risk of developing Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Early recognition and treatment are crucial to minimize severity, as SCFE causes lifelong disability.