Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A review article explores the ethics of discussing disease prognosis with terminally ill adolescents, emphasizing the importance of gentle but persistent conversation. Clinicians are advised to engage patients directly, allowing time for exploration of values and goals, while balancing the need for truth-telling with emotional distress.
A new Dartmouth study demonstrates a causal relationship between imbalanced brain activity and behavioral control during adolescence. Researchers found that an imbalance in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens activity disrupts inhibitory control, leading to delayed learning and increased risk-taking behavior.
A new study found that Mexican-American youth with empathetic and caring behaviors towards others tend to perform better academically later on. Parents can play a significant role by encouraging these traits and maintaining boundaries while remaining engaged in their children's lives.
A new study reveals low rates of pregnancy screening among adolescent females with acute leukemia before receiving chemotherapy that can cause birth defects. The analysis found that adolescents with ALL had the lowest rates of pregnancy testing, and there was substantial variation in screening patterns across hospitals.
A new study led by University of Arizona researcher Katharine Zeiders found that families experiencing ethnic discrimination and acculturation stress have a negative impact on children's behavior and academics. Children exhibited more behavioral problems and worse academic performance by age 5, according to the research.
Two studies investigate peer victimization in schools, revealing the importance of early intervention for addressing both overt and relational forms of victimization. Overt victimization is associated with higher levels of aggression and externalizing behavior, while relational victimization links to internalizing problems and a lack o...
A new study suggests that preschoolers are forming their body images, both positively and negatively, despite parental unawareness. Researchers found that most parents believe their children are too young to have body-image concerns, but 40% of parents described their child exhibiting at least one body-related behavior.
Adolescents' brains show enhanced connectivity between hippocampus and striatum, enabling better reinforcement learning and memory formation. This unique feature may be key to their ability to form powerful memories during adolescence.
New research suggests that teenagers' sensitivity to reward is an evolutionary adaptation to learn from their environment. The study found that adolescents outperformed adults in a picture-based game requiring learning from positive and negative reinforcement cues.
Starting drinking between eleven and thirteen is associated with increased risk of psychological disorders, including somatization, hostility, and aggression. Women are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression, while men exhibit psychoticism.
New research finds a positive association between community violence exposure and subsequent violent behavior among African American and Latino male youths. The study suggests that repeated exposure can lead to emotional desensitization and increased aggressive behaviors.
Researchers found that measuring blood levels of irisin may help diagnose PCOS in teenagers, potentially reducing unnecessary treatments and improving symptoms management. High irisin levels in teens with PCOS are associated with higher testosterone levels, a key marker of the condition.
A 12-year-long study found that teenage calorie expenditure drops by up to 500 fewer calories while at rest during puberty, contributing to excess weight gain and obesity. The research also revealed a significant decline in physical activity among teenagers during this period.
A study found an association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk for Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders in children. Heavy maternal smoking was associated with a 66% increased risk for these conditions.
A new study published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology found that atomoxetine significantly improved decoding and vocabulary skills in children with dyslexia. The treatment also reduced ADHD symptoms in children with both dyslexia and ADHD or ADHD alone.
A recent study found that YouTube music videos often glamorize excessive drinking and link it to sexual attractiveness and luxury lifestyles. The research analyzed 49 UK Top 40 videos containing alcohol content, revealing a strong association between alcohol consumption and sociability, personal image, and lifestyle.
The study identified 34 neural factors that predict adolescent alcohol consumption, showing improved accuracy compared to demographic information alone. The findings have significant clinical and public health implications, potentially helping prevent underage drinking.
A follow-up study finds that bipolar adolescents are at higher risk for substance use disorder and smoking five years later. The presence of conduct disorder, particularly when combined with bipolar symptoms, significantly increases this risk.
A recent survey of US adolescents found that most teens vape for flavorings rather than nicotine in e-cigarettes. The study suggests that efforts to curb vaping among teens focusing on nicotine may be ineffective and that alternative approaches may be more effective.
The study examined how well mother-daughter pairs manage rapid transitions between emotional states. Mothers with moderate flexibility showed higher relationship quality and lower maternal symptoms. A moderate degree of flexibility is optimal for a strong and healthy relationship.
According to new guidelines, physicians and parents can ward off problems at both ends of the weight spectrum by avoiding focusing teens' attention on weight or dieting. Family meals protect against weight problems, while promoting a balanced diet and regular exercise can help teenagers develop a healthy body image.
New research from Purdue University suggests that soluble corn fiber can help young women build bone and retain calcium during adolescence, while also preserving bone health in older women post-menopause. The studies found improved bone calcium retention and absorption by 4.8% to 7%.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, suggests that obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen levels can promote the progression of the disease.
African-American adolescent girls prefer straightened hair and avoid sweating during exercise due to concerns about ruining their hairstyle. The study explores the impact of cultural pressure on physical activity among black teens, finding a consistent theme across three states.
The USPSTF found inadequate evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for lipid disorders in children. Short-term trials have shown reductions in LDL-C levels with pharmacotherapy, but long-term effects are unclear.
A new study found that positive teacher-student relationships around age 10-11 can influence prosocial behaviors such as cooperation and altruism, reducing problem classroom behaviors like aggression. The beneficial effects lingered for up to four years.
The RAND Corporation has launched a web-based guide to support community leaders in planning and implementing teen pregnancy prevention programs. The Getting To Outcomes Guide for Teen Pregnancy Prevention offers tools and instructions to assess program needs, select goals and outcomes, and evaluate program effectiveness.
A recent study found a positive association between adolescents' exposure to various types of alcohol marketing and their increased drinking frequency. The research suggests that restricting the volume of alcohol marketing to which young people are exposed could help reduce youth drinking. The findings support demands for stricter regu...
Researchers found that existing depression screening tools do not accurately identify 6- to 18-year-olds with depression. The study suggests that these tools may incorrectly label non-depressed children as depressed, leading to potential misuse of psychiatric medications and resources.
Research finds that adolescent girls with 'boomerang fathers' experience lower depressive symptoms compared to those without stable paternal involvement. The study suggests familiarity and commitment from the biological father create a protective bond, assisting in positive mental health.
A systematic review of 35 studies found that longer duration of untreated childhood schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis is associated with poorer functional improvement. Children and adolescents with EOS often experience frequent pre- and co-morbid conditions, leading to worse outcomes.
Three studies published in JAACAP report that combining standard ADHD medications improves clinical outcomes, including reduced symptoms and enhanced cognitive functions. The combined therapy showed a higher rate of good clinical response and improved brain activity patterns compared to single drug therapies.
A study by Michigan State University found that adolescent exposure to illicit substances increases the likelihood of substance abuse in early and late adulthood. White males are more likely to engage in such behavior, with Hispanic and Asian participants showing higher availability but lower rates of use.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers has found that teens who smoke daily report significantly higher levels of health complaints than their nonsmoking peers. The study also reveals a widening gap in health complaints between smoking and nonsmoking teens, with girls reporting more health issues than boys.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Photovoice, a method using photographs, helps adolescents with autism express concerns and stress as they transition to adulthood. The research reveals themes of isolation, socialization challenges, and the comfort animals bring in combating loneliness.
A new consensus statement provides recommendations for transitioning adolescents and young adults with neurologic disorders to adult care. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early planning, self-management skills assessment, and comprehensive transition plans to ensure a smooth transition.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a virtual reality driving environment specifically designed for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. The system, called VADIA, gathers information on users' reactions and adjusts difficulty levels to provide personalized training.
Researchers mapped brain structure changes in teenagers to understand the onset of mental health problems. The study found that myelin levels increase within the cortex during adolescence, potentially linking it to schizophrenia risk genes.
A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that aripiprazole significantly reduced total tics and tic severity in children with Tourette's disorder. The medication was safe, with common side effects including drowsiness and nausea.
The study found a weighted prevalence of diabetes among US adolescents aged 12 to 19 years to be 0.8 percent, with 29 percent being undiagnosed. Prediabetes was more common in males than females and varied significantly across ethnic groups.
A study of childhood cancer survivors found that most had no reported psychological symptoms, but those who did often experienced multiple symptoms and distinct profiles. The researchers emphasize the need for robust screening efforts and identification of appropriate treatments to help prevent behavioral, emotional, and social problems.
A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.
A study found that the novelty factor is a key motivator for e-cigarette use among adolescents, with nearly 70% having heard about e-cigarettes and over 10% using them. E-cigarette use was more common among male respondents who were already using cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The MI-LEND program aims to improve the health of infants, children and adolescents with disabilities by training individuals from diverse disciplines. The program will address the complex needs of those with autism and other disabilities by increasing graduate students prepared to address their needs.
A study warns that teenagers are increasingly experiencing tinnitus, a symptom of hearing loss, due to frequent earphone use and exposure to loud places. This can lead to chronic hearing loss by age 30-40 if not addressed.
A new USC study suggests that some teens who never would have smoked cigarettes are now vaping, potentially reversing progress in tobacco control. The study found that tobacco use among teens in Southern California is on the rise, with nicotine experimentation becoming a major concern.
Researchers analyzing administrative health records of over 8.8 million individuals found a 32% incidence rate of concussions among 10-19 year olds between 2007 and 2014, with a 60% overall increase in concussion diagnoses during this period
A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that prolonged periods of food insecurity coupled with harsh parenting practices can lead to obesity in early adulthood among female adolescents. The study's findings indicate that females who experience food insecurity are more likely to be overweight or obese by age 23.
The study found a small but significant increase in fatalities and non-fatalities among adolescents aged 11-15 and 16-17 years. This trend is worrying, with the impact of long-standing abuse or neglect often present in behaviors that place young people at increased risk of harm.
A new study by University of Calgary researchers finds that adolescents who attend religious services are less likely to view pornography. The study, which surveyed over 3,000 teenagers and their parents, suggests that religious attendance acts as a social control factor that discourages porn usage among young people.
Researchers found that parents' supportive behavior in adolescence predicted lower civic engagement later on, as well as perceived parental support in young adulthood leading to lower volunteering rates. The study suggests that good parenting alone may not be enough to raise good citizens.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found a weak link between media consumption and teen sexual behavior, with parents playing a greater role in shaping moral values. The study suggests that parents should be encouraged to discuss sex with their children, while media may have limited influence on actual behavior.
A new study found that adolescents living in neighborhoods with more greenery have less aggressive behaviors. The researchers linked the adolescents' residential locations to satellite data, measuring the levels of greenery and associated it with reduced aggressive behaviors.
Researchers found that impulsive children raised in non-coercive environments tend to drink less alcohol than their peers, as they thrive under proper care and attention. High impulsivity at age 6 was associated with lower alcohol use at age 15 when maternal coercive practices were infrequent.
Children with epilepsy experience significant long-term socioeconomic consequences, including higher healthcare costs. The study found that people with epilepsy are unable to catch up with their peers in overall health, education, and social status.
A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine shows that video-based mental health services are providing care to underserved rural children. The research highlights the need for mental health services in these areas, where only 20% of children with behavioral health issues receive treatment.
A study using GPS technology found that adolescents' exposure to junk food outlets during trips to and from school significantly affects their likelihood of making a junk food purchase. The research revealed that longer exposure times increased the chances of a purchase, with females being more likely to make unhealthy choices than males.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found a significant genetic link between low attention control in early adolescence and four distinct anxiety symptoms. Low attention control is also linked to increased risk of depression, drug dependence, suicidal behavior, and educational underachievement.
Adolescents outperform adults in choosing rewards but struggle with punishment, leading to the development of a new model for learning during adolescence. The study suggests that incentive systems based on reward rather than punishment may be more effective for this age group.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that adolescents are more receptive to rewards than punishments of equal value. The researchers suggest using positive reinforcement methods in education and parenting to encourage desired behavior, as reward-based systems may be more effective for this age group.