Articles tagged with Adolescents
New research shows that state laws banning texting while driving led to a significant reduction in teens using their cell phones behind the wheel, but 30% of teens still admitted to texting. Experienced drivers, especially those over 16, were more likely to use their phones while driving.
Researchers present key factors contributing to suicidal risk and new assessment and treatment approaches for adolescents. Studies investigate predictors of acute risk, relationship between suicide attempts and impulsive-aggressive responsiveness.
The study found a 18% decline in recorded acts of violence against children and adolescents. Serious violence affecting all age groups decreased by 10% in 2014 compared to 2013.
Researchers found that teens are more likely to make risky decisions when driving alone, but with a mother present, they become less likely to take risks. The brain regions responsible for this behavior include the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.
Disorders of sex development affect young women's bodily autonomy, social interactions, and perceived sexual fulfillment. They require empathic support from knowledgeable health professionals to address their psychosocial needs.
A new study of adolescents finds that youth who mentally step back from their thoughts can deal with negative emotions more effectively and become less upset by them. This self-distancing technique was found to be associated with less emotional distress and greater insights into the experience.
A study found that socially anxious youth in treatment who participated in low-intensity service activities during AA meetings had better outcomes and higher abstinence rates. This approach helped them tolerate interpersonal differences and uncomfortable feelings, developing emotional maturity and self-acceptance.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...
Females with eating disorders in late adolescence tend to have lower educational attainment and personal income in early adulthood. They are also less likely to own a home, with males experiencing different life trajectories.
A new study links long-term exposure to family stressors like family disruption, financial stress, and maternal poor health to increased risk of obesity in adolescents. Findings suggest female and male adolescents respond differently to stress, highlighting the need for tailored social services in obesity prevention programs.
Researchers found that adolescent binge-drinking can alter brain development and lead to increased anxiety-like behaviors and a preference for alcohol in adulthood. Epigenetic changes, which affect how genes are expressed, play a key role in these effects.
A recent study warns that adolescents consuming energy drinks are at risk of sudden cardiac deaths and arrhythmias. The researchers recommend caution when it comes to ED consumption before or during sports practice, as well as consulting cardiologists for underlying medical conditions.
Training pediatric primary care providers improved their confidence and knowledge of adolescent depression, increasing screening frequency. The study found that providers who received training were more likely to identify early signs of depression and discuss treatment options with patients.
A new study found that anhedonia, the inability to gain pleasure, is associated with more severe depression and worse outcomes in adolescents. Anhedonia severity showed a significant correlation with overall outcomes, including illness severity and episode duration.
A study of 16,193 teenagers found that one in five had accessed e-cigarettes, with regular smokers being the most frequent users. E-cigarette access was associated with binge drinking and involvement with violence after drinking, suggesting that these devices may be linked to increased risk-taking behaviors.
Research from University College London found that young adolescents (aged 12-14) were most influenced by their peers' opinions on risk, while older age groups adjusted their ratings more towards adults. The study suggests that targeting adolescent social norms may be key to public health interventions.
A UConn Health study finds that smaller plates do not universally help reduce portions in children and teens with obesity. The researchers suggest that diet education should be clear, simple, repeated, and interesting for this population.
Researchers at NYU Langone found that adolescent patients who undergo high-volume scoliosis surgery have significantly lower reoperation rates compared to those with low-volume surgeons. The study suggests that experienced spine surgeons can reduce complications and need for revision surgeries.
Research found that music TV exposure triggers increased sexual activities in boys but not girls, due to perceived peer norms. Girls exhibit resistance to media content portraying women as objects of lust, leading them to watch less music TV.
Research reveals distinct patterns of substance use among white, black, and Hispanic teenagers, with notable age-related disparities. Cigarette use peaks later in life for African Americans compared to whites, while alcohol use is higher among males than females during adolescence.
A new study found that gastric bypass surgery in adolescents significantly improved bone density, which returned to normal levels within two years. The results suggest that obesity surgery may have favorable effects on the adolescent skeleton.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that nearly half of energy drink advertisements aired on networks with themes likely to appeal to adolescents. The study highlights the potential dangers of energy drink consumption among teenagers, particularly due to high caffeine content.
Research found that alcohol consumption patterns shift from adolescence to old age, with men increasing their intake more than women. The study suggests incorporating changes in drinking behavior into risk estimates for better public health initiatives.
A recent study published in SAGE Open suggests that poverty rates are a more significant factor than age in determining high rates of teen crime. The study analyzed over 54,000 homicide deaths in California and found that when teenagers' poverty levels are low, they have similar murder rates to older adults.
New research suggests that day-to-day variations in sleep duration, rather than overall sleep duration, can impact food intake in teenagers. The study found that teens who slept more or less on any given night consumed an average of 201 more calories per day, with higher rates of nighttime snacking and increased carbohydrate consumption.
Researchers found that low stress resilience in adolescence increases heart disease risk, even with good physical fitness. The study of 237,980 men suggests that promoting both exercise and stress management could help prevent heart disease.
A global review found family-based programs can effectively stop children from taking up smoking, with high-intensity interventions showing the most promising results. The programs encourage parents to set limits, strengthen nurturing skills, and discuss substances with their adolescents, helping them resist peer pressure.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found a strong association between adolescent BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The study, which examined over 715,000 Israeli adolescents, revealed a significant increase in obesity rates and high blood pressure among teens.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that young women with ADHD who experienced childhood trauma are at higher risk for self-injury, eating disorders, and suicide. The research adds to evidence that environmental factors contribute to negative psychosocial outcomes in individuals with ADHD.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that Family Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) is more effective than child-centered therapy (CCT) in treating preadolescent children with depression. Preadolescents with depressive symptoms are at increased risk of experien...
A new study by the American Heart Association found that children being physically active with friends may accomplish more than hearing encouragement from family members. Friends getting involved significantly lowers perceived barriers to physical activity.
A new study reveals high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among war-afflicted teenagers in Northern Uganda, with former child soldiers showing the highest rates. The study suggests that psychological support should be offered through the education system to all young people in the region.
A study by the University of North Carolina found that 93.7% of online e-cigarette vendors failed to properly verify customers' ages, allowing minors to easily purchase electronic cigarettes online. This lack of age verification is concerning, especially given the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that children who struggle with sympathy are more likely to share resources with peers they respect. The research suggests a compensatory relationship between sympathy and respect, helping kids navigate prosocial solutions even when empathy is lacking.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics assessed cardiovascular risks among adolescents with severe obesity undergoing weight-loss surgery. The study found that nearly 95% of participants had at least one CVD risk factor, with high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels common among the group.
Research reveals an association between aggressive tendencies and increased physical strength in adolescent males, which may be linked to evolutionary pressures.
A new study found that lower IQ is associated with greater and riskier drinking among young adult men in Sweden. Intelligence may come before behavior, and poor performance on IQ tests may be linked to other disadvantages.
Nearly 3 in 5 pregnant teens report using substances in the previous 12 months, with alcohol and cannabis being the most commonly used. Engaged parents and academically involved teens show lower rates of substance use during pregnancy.
Researchers found that teenagers who relied on executive function processes, particularly in the pre-frontal cortex, were more successful in losing weight. Successful programs involve repeated practice and ramping up challenges to executive control, such as computerized training and aerobic physical activity.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that female students, racial/ethnic minorities, and students of lower socioeconomic status are particularly affected by inadequate sleep. The proportion of adolescents who regularly get seven hours of sleep decreased among all groups between 1991 and 2012.
Teenage exploration and risk-taking can be attributed to dramatic changes in the brain, driven by the need for immediate reward. According to Dr. Beatriz Luna's research, the teen prefrontal cortex is not immature but rather overruled by heightened motivation centers.
A recent study found that methamphetamine chronically used by adolescents causes greater brain damage and alterations in the 'executive function' area compared to adults. The research, conducted on South Korean participants, revealed significant changes in gray matter thickness and white matter integrity in adolescent users.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that caring parent-adolescent relationships reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts leading to attempts. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported lower parental care than non-suicidal adolescents.
A longitudinal study found that mental health improved among Latino adolescents over three years, but discrimination-related stress had a more detrimental effect on native-born immigrants. The study highlights the importance of considering discrimination in therapy sessions to help Latino youth flourish.
A new study of adolescent girls found that HPV vaccination was not associated with an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contrary to previous concerns. The study included over 21,000 vaccinated females and 186,500 non-vaccinated females, finding no evidence that HPV vaccination leads to higher rates of STIs.
A new study found that LGBT teens who come out at school have higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression as young adults. Researchers analyzed data from the Family Acceptance Project and found that coming out was associated with better well-being outcomes. The study suggests that being open about one's sexual orientation or gend...
A recent position paper from the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee recommends bariatric surgery for carefully selected young children with severe or morbid obesity and associated medical conditions. The procedure can strongly reduce the risk of adulthood obesity and obesity-related diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A global study found that socioeconomic differences in adolescent mental and physical health increased between 2002 and 2010, with poorer youth more likely to be less active, have larger BMI, and report more symptoms. The study highlights urgent action needed to tackle inequities in adolescent health.
Teenagers who own smartphones spend more time online during the night, leading to an increased risk of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Smartphone use at night is associated with a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances.
Research found that teens who misperceive their weight have a 40% greater risk of becoming obese as adults. This association was strongest for boys, with an 89% increased risk of later obesity compared to those who perceived themselves accurately.
The study found that well-established rules for getting good sleep, such as limited caffeine and a regular bedtime, led to sufficient sleep quantity and adequate sleep quality. Reducing the encroachment of technology into sleep time is crucial to support well-known sleep hygiene principles.
A recent study found that adolescents with psychological symptoms often exhibit visual distortions and hallucinations before developing a full-blown mental disorder. The researchers also discovered that these symptoms are strongly linked to self-destructive thought processes, which can increase the risk of suicide.
A new study finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among young adults aged 20-39 years in the US. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis compared to older adults. Colorectal cancer is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age.
A study of over 1,000 Spanish teenagers reveals that 83% have fallen victim to at least one form of violence during their lives, with cyber-bullying affecting 12.6%. The research highlights the need for prevention and support for children who experience multiple forms of violence.
A new study found that both genetic and environmental factors influence the correlation between an individual's own drinking and their peers' drinking behaviors. Genetic factors play a more significant role in adulthood, while environmental factors dominate adolescent behavior.
A new study found that adolescents who experience sleep difficulties and insufficient sleep are more likely to develop binge drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and risky sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from over 6,500 teenagers and found a strong link between poor sleep habits and substance-related problems.
Researchers identified four promising approaches to prevent intimate partner violence and sexual violence among adolescents, including school-based interventions, psychological support interventions, community-based interventions, and parenting interventions. These strategies show promise in preventing violence in high-income countries...
A University at Buffalo psychologist's study shows that parents who communicate the risks of alcohol use with their young children are more likely to have kids who think critically about drinking. The research suggests maintaining those discussions as children grow older can help prevent underage drinking. The study found a correlation...
A new study reveals that adolescents have dramatic misperceptions about their peers' behaviors, leading to conformity to social norms. Teens overestimate the amount of drug- and alcohol-use and sexual behaviors among their peers, while underestimating the time spent on studying or exercise.
The study found that major depression was highly prevalent in adolescents, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 11%, and females had twice the rates of males. The majority of adolescents with MDD demonstrated severe role impairment and substantial comorbidity with other mental conditions.