Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University propose exercise as a potential solution to address substance abuse in adolescents. Assisted exercise may specifically benefit teens with dopamine deficits, common in substance use disorder patients.
Researchers found that toddlers who watched more TV had poorer eating habits and lower school performance in adolescence. They also reported consuming more junk food, sugary drinks, and snacks, leading to a higher risk of obesity and related health issues.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published new safety recommendations for energy drink consumption, particularly among children, adolescents, and individuals with cardiovascular conditions. The guidelines warn against excessive caffeine intake and advise against using energy drinks before or after strenuous exercise.
Mobile health units offer a portable approach to bringing healthcare to communities, with over 2,000 units in service nationwide. Adolescents surveyed expressed interest in learning about sexual health through MHUs, with high rates of willingness to obtain birth control and recommend the service to friends.
A recent study by the University of Exeter found that 86% of teenagers have traces of Bisphenol A (BPA) in their bodies. Despite a BPA-free diet, participants saw no significant drop in exposure levels, highlighting the need for better labelling of products containing the chemical.
A widely used parental guidance program has been shown to reduce domestic conflict and boost economic resilience in South Africa's poorest communities. The Sinovuyo Caring Families Programme for Parents and Teens transformed family relationships in severely at risk communities, improving teenagers' safety and family relationships.
A study of European adolescents aged 12-17 found that only vigorous physical activity significantly reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors like BMI and waist size. Poor cardiovascular fitness was linked more closely to future heart problems than moderate activity.
A new study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that some psychiatric medications may be underprescribed in children and adolescents. The study analyzed prescription rates with prevalence rates for ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression, and discovered no significant overprescription.
Researchers identified four personas shaping teenagers' online behavior: the Lurker who avoids peer drama on social media, the Geek who shares anonymous content, the Internet Celebrity who values visibility, and the Victim who suffers from personal exposure and shame.
A six-year study found no benefits or protective effects of giving teenagers alcohol when compared to those not given alcohol. Parental provision was associated with increased likelihood of accessing alcohol through other sources. The study advises against supplying alcohol to teenagers to reduce risk of alcohol-related harms.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that civic engagement in adolescence is associated with higher education levels and income as adults. Teens involved in volunteering, voting, or activism tend to perform better in health and mental well-being.
A new study found positive associations between voting, volunteering, and activism with health, education, and income outcomes in adulthood. However, activism was also associated with more risky health behaviors in adulthood. The study suggests that civic engagement can build community and fulfill social needs.
New research from Chapman University found that 40% of teens aged 13-19 reported an adverse effect while consuming energy drinks. The most common side effects included insomnia, jittery feelings, and heart palpitations. Additionally, some teens mix alcohol with energy drinks and use them for weight loss.
The Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) achieved its intended effect of encouraging teenagers to speak up and seek adult help for themselves or a peer. More than 54% of students were depression-literate four months after the curriculum, compared with 36% of students who weren't exposed.
Adolescents with OCD experience widespread learning and memory problems, affecting daily functioning and school performance. Researchers found impaired cognitive flexibility and goal-directed control, highlighting the need for structured environments to support their development.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a cost-effective treatment option for adolescents with depression who decline or stop using antidepressants. The CBT program was shown to reduce depression-related health care costs by $5,000 on average over a two-year period.
A national register study by the University of Turku and THL found that more adolescents are receiving psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnoses, especially girls, between ages 12 and 18. The diagnoses primarily relate to depression and anxiety, with limited psychotherapy treatment options available.
A Boston University study identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact, even in the absence of signs of concussion. The researchers found that head impact caused persistent changes in brain electrical functions and damaged blood vessels, leading to CTE.
A long-term population-based study found that teenagers who gambled at age 14 and 17 had lower academic performance. The study controlled for socio-familial risk factors and impulsivity.
A new humanitarian program for war-affected youth has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by 38%, a key indicator of stress. The program, Advancing Adolescents, improved the mental health of adolescents affected by the Syrian war and had a physiological benefit.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. Routine screening may not provide sufficient benefits to outweigh potential harms.
A study published in eNeuro found that amphetamine exposure during adolescence impairs the development of the mouse prefrontal cortex. This region is critical for decision-making and other complex functions. The researchers observed reduced synapses and axon growth, suggesting a lasting impact on brain structure.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery showed significant improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study, known as Teen-LABS, demonstrated a reduction in the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
A recent Oregon Research Institute study found that recreational marijuana legalization had no significant effect on the number of youth who used marijuana, but increased the frequency of use among those already using it. The study suggests that community sales policies may not reduce teenage marijuana use and highlights the need for p...
A new study led by Rutgers University-Camden researcher Wenhua Lu found that Black adolescents express depressive symptoms through complaints about interpersonal struggles and physical pains. This highlights the need for clinicians to tailor treatments such as interpersonal psychotherapy to address these unique expressions of depression.
Adolescents who used electronic cigarettes, hookahs, noncigarette combustible tobacco or smokeless tobacco were more likely to start smoking conventional cigarettes within a year. Any use of all forms of noncigarette tobacco was associated with a greater risk of future conventional cigarette smoking.
Researchers found epigenetic changes in the CRH gene, a key player in the body's stress system, are linked to serious suicide attempts and psychiatric illness. The study suggests environmental factors can affect genetic expression, highlighting the importance of regulating the stress system for mental health.
A nationwide study found that ADHD medication use was associated with a lower risk of developing sexually transmitted infections. The study, which tracked data from over 17,000 individuals with ADHD, found that those who used ADHD medications had a 30-41% lower risk of STIs compared to non-ADHD controls.
A recent study found that the frequency of autism spectrum disorder among US children and adolescents remained stable between 2014-2016. The study analyzed data from a nationally representative annual survey and included 30,502 participants. No apparent increase in ASD prevalence was detected during this three-year period.
A new study found that adolescents who experienced frequent psychosocial risks are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior and report unprotected sex. The longitudinal study of 850 African-American students from age 14 to 32 revealed a higher risk of HIV infection for those with co-occurring psychological and social risk factors.
Adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning are at a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. The study found that 40% of sexual-minority adolescents seriously considered suicide, while 15% of heterosexual counterparts did so.
A new special issue of Birth Defects Research: The Teenage Brain examines the potential risks of junk food and energy drinks on teen brain development. Research suggests that high consumption of these substances may negatively affect decision-making, reward-seeking behavior, and eating habits throughout adulthood.
A new study reveals that teenagers are slower to learn about their peers' preferences due to underdeveloped brain regions. The fusiform cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, responsible for understanding mental states, show ongoing development during adolescence, which may explain these differences.
The projects focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. In Rwanda, affordable menstrual pads will be distributed to adolescent girls, while in Kenya, HIV/STI education and vocational training will reduce infections among vulnerable adolescents.
A longitudinal study by BYU School of Family Life professor Laura Padilla-Walker found that adolescents who exhibited prosocial behavior towards strangers had higher self-esteem a year later. This suggests that helping others can have a significant impact on a teenager's moral identity and perceptions of self.
A study by Provenzano found that adolescents with lower 'Honesty-Humility' scores tend to use bullying tactics to pursue more sexual partners. They may strategically manipulate others to display traits like strength and dominance, attracting the opposite sex and gaining an advantage in intra-sexual competition.
A new study found that graphic anti-smoking posters in convenience stores can increase the risk of some teens starting to smoke. The study discovered that adolescents who were already at risk for smoking reported being more susceptible to cigarette smoking after viewing the displays.
A new study by USC researchers links higher levels of air pollution to increased teenage delinquency, citing tiny, toxic particles as a major contributor. Exposure to PM2.5 has been shown to cause inflammation in the brain, damaging neural networks and influencing adolescent behavior.
Researchers found that father rejection predicted increases in social anxiety, which in turn led to more loneliness in adolescents. Forming good relationships with parents is essential for an adolescent's well-being, with thriving friendships associated with better psychological health and academic performance.
A new study found that typical teens are resilient to negative online experiences, with effects vanishing within a week. Researchers believe coping skills may be learned through online interactions with friends or social media communities.
A recent study found that genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder increases the risk for suicide attempt, but only among those who have experienced traumatic stress such as bullying, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. The research highlights the importance of environmental stressors in developing suicide attempts in individuals at...
A survey of over 6,000 Brazilian teenagers found that parental attention and responsiveness can significantly reduce the risk of drug abuse in adolescence. The study also revealed that well-off students are more likely to engage in binge drinking and polydrug use.
Teenage cannabis use at least 2-3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years. The study found that adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania, suggesting a potential causal link.
Research reveals a concerning relationship between excessive screen time and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal behaviors, particularly among teenage girls. Limiting screen time to an hour or two daily may help reduce the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal attempts.
A new study using advanced MRI techniques has discovered disrupted brain connectivity in obese adolescents, affecting regions involved in appetite regulation. The findings suggest a possible underlying cause for the rising rates of childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
A study found that genetic determinants of puberty timing are associated with lower bone mineral density in childhood and adulthood. Later puberty is linked to lower bone mineral density, especially in the lower spine, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that cognitive-behavioral sleep interventions are most effective for adolescents with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that sleep improvement treatments can be a useful tool in addressing mental health issues.
A new study found that child snoring is associated with worsening obesity and increased metabolic risk, creating a vicious cycle. Children who snored were more likely to develop higher body fat mass and obesity later in childhood or adolescence.
A longitudinal study found that French adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds experience varying levels of pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Boys in North African French groups reported increasing felt pressure, while girls in both groups showed declining pressure over four years.
A study by Aarhus University finds that cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating OCD in children and adolescents. The research, involving 269 participants from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, showed that 92% of those who benefited from the treatment remained symptom-free a year after completion.
Researchers found that a genetic variant in the dopamine receptor gene delayed maturation of a brain region involved in reward planning in boys, but not girls. In girls, the opposite effect was seen, with the same variant delaying cortical maturation while promoting healthy development in boys.
Research finds a link between insomnia and frequency of alcohol use among seventh- and eighth-grade students. Insomnia is identified as a risk marker for alcohol use, while symptoms of mental health problems and parental monitoring do not account for the association.
A high percentage of adolescents in developed countries use dietary supplements for sports performance and immune system benefits. The study found that boys and girls cite similar reasons, with enhancing sport performance as the top reason among athletes and nonathletes alike.
The study found that annual well-visit rates among adolescents increased from 41% to 48% after the ACA, with significant gains among minority and low-income adolescents. The ACA's requirement for coverage of preventive services without a copay led to increases in the receipt of recommended services up to age 21.
Researchers found that exposure to community violence is associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents, regardless of pre-existing conduct disorder. The study suggests that prevention programs can help break the cycle of violence.
A recent study has discovered a potential treatment for adult alcohol dependence caused by teenage binge drinking behavior. Researchers found that a specific drug can prevent the detrimental effects of adolescent binge drinking on brain development and reduce alcohol consumption in adulthood.
Penn State researchers recommend removing electronic devices from bedrooms, establishing bedtime routines, and avoiding bright lights to improve sleep in children and adolescents. The study suggests screen-based media consumption leads to delayed bedtimes, reduced total sleep duration, and negative effects on sleep quality.
Researchers found that nearly three-quarters of participants didn't develop problems with marijuana during young adulthood. The remaining quarter showed varying levels of limited, persistent, and delayed problems, often linked to childhood family conflict and instability. Anxiety disorders were a common issue among these users.
A large national sample of youth will be studied over several years to understand how sexual minority stress changes over time and its resulting health risks. The study aims to enable the development of targeted and effective behavioral health interventions to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A new study from UMass Amherst suggests that women who are underweight during adolescence or adulthood may be at increased risk for early menopause. The research, which followed nearly 80,000 women over 25 years, found a significant association between being underweight and an earlier onset of natural menopause.