Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study by Rutgers University–Camden professor Naomi Marmorstein found that depression in early adolescence predicts obesity in late adolescence among female participants. Conversely, obesity in late adolescence predicts the onset of depression in early adulthood. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between the two disorde...
The University of Colorado will receive a $2.1 million grant to help adolescents with Type 1 diabetes manage their disease and improve health outcomes through the Flexible Lifestyle 3mpowering Change (FL3X) study. The study aims to teach teens how to manage insulin, blood sugar, and daily tasks, with positive outcomes from a pilot study.
Researchers found a positive association between age and performance on the digit symbol substitution test, but no significant link with years of football participation. The study suggests that playing football is not inherently detrimental to neurocognitive function.
A controlled clinical trial intervention found that mindfulness-based meditation sessions improved mood and sleep in teenagers with cancer. The study revealed significant benefits in depression scores and better sleeping patterns among girls in the mindfulness group.
Researchers found that joining a gang in adolescence significantly increases risk of incarceration, receiving illegal income, and struggling with drug abuse in adulthood. Former gang members were also more likely to have lower education levels and poorer health.
Researchers at UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute recommend teaching independence to adolescents with autism to enhance their chances for post-high school success. Studies show that high schoolers with autism possess superior visual thinking skills, which can be emphasized in teaching independence. Visual schedules a...
A new study by Universities of Strathclyde, Dundee, Georgia and Bristol found that obese teenage girls perform worse academically than their healthy-weight peers. The research examined data from over 6000 children and found a significant association between obesity and lower academic attainment in core subjects.
A neuroimaging study found that adolescents with antisocial personality disorder have reduced activation in brain regions responsible for social information processing and impulse control. This impairment leads to difficulties in taking into account other people's intentions, resulting in more antisocial behavior.
The USPSTF published its final recommendation statement on primary care interventions to prevent or reduce illicit drug and nonmedical pharmaceutical use in children and adolescents. Nearly one in 10 American adolescents use illegal drugs, with serious health consequences.
A new UC San Francisco study found that e-cigarettes are likely to be gateway devices for nicotine addiction among youth, opening up a new market for tobacco. The study of nearly 40,000 US teens discovered that e-cigarette use among middle and high school students doubled between 2011 and 2012.
A new report finds energy drink consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use, with nearly two thirds reporting use in the past year. Younger high school students were more likely to consume energy drinks than older ones, highlighting a trend of concern.
A study of 37 obese adolescents found that even after controlling for physical activity, low levels of sleep remained a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Objective sleep assessment may be a useful screening tool to identify at-risk adolescents.
A study found that low sleep duration in obese adolescents significantly increases their risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers used physical activity monitors to measure typical patterns of physical activity and sleep, and found a strong association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk score.
A new study by Bowling Green State University researchers links adolescent relationship violence to increased symptoms of depression among both victims and perpetrators. The study found that high levels of discord within intimate relationships have a similar negative effect on the emotional well-being of young men and women.
A national study of Taiwanese youth found that adolescents who start having sex at a young age tend to exhibit externalizing problems like rule-breaking and aggressive behavior. This is especially true for females and those with same-sex partners.
Children who experience frequent nightmares before age 12 are three and a half times more likely to suffer from psychotic experiences. Night terrors also increase the risk, doubling it compared to nightmares alone.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that 80% of youth responders to CBT and sertraline maintained positive treatment response over a 6-month follow-up period. The study also showed that combined therapy had greater benefits, with fewer youth failing to achieve responder status.
A recent study published in Human Molecular Genetics describes two distinct types of eggs in the mammalian ovary, contributing to puberty and fertility. The identification of these 'first wave' and 'adult wave' eggs may lead to improved treatments for ovarian diseases like premature ovarian failure.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African-American youth who gambled before age 18 were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, leading to unintended consequences. The research suggests a potential link between gambling and sex behaviors in this demographic.
A study comparing post-traumatic stress symptoms among children exposed to disasters and identifying risk factors for resiliency. The article discusses the importance of recognizing similarities and differences in how children and adults react to traumatic events.
Research shows that frequent school moves during childhood can increase the risk of psychotic-like symptoms in early adolescence by up to 60%. School mobility is strongly associated with mental health problems, including psychotic disorders and suicide. Schools should develop strategies to help students adapt to new environments.
Researchers have identified a biological marker for major depression in teenage boys, combining elevated cortisol levels with depressive symptoms. The study found that these individuals are up to fourteen times more likely to develop major depression than those without these traits.
A University of Colorado study shows that teens who watched a video about the cosmetic effects of UV exposure were more likely to use sunscreen than those who watched a health-based video. This finding suggests that addressing appearance-related concerns can be an effective way to modify sun-protective behaviors in teenagers.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that seven out of ten teenagers reported chronic pain, with depressed girls experiencing the highest rate. The researchers emphasize the importance of treating physical pain alongside mental health issues.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative-Kenya aims to improve girls' lives in Kenya through health, wealth creation, education, and violence-prevention sectors. The program will reach at least 10,000 girls ages 10-14 with rigorous evaluation to determine the most effective interventions.
A recent study published in Journal of Addiction Medicine found that US adolescents consuming energy drinks have higher rates of alcohol, cigarette, or drug use. The study analyzed data from nearly 22,000 secondary school students and suggested that energy drink users are more likely to report other types of substance use.
A large international study identified an 'invisible-risk' group of adolescents with psychiatric symptoms, despite low risk behaviours being overlooked by parents and teachers. The study found that 13% of adolescents were classified as 'high-risk', while a third group showed similar prevalence of mental health issues.
A new study reveals that adolescents consuming excessive salt are more likely to develop obesity and chronic inflammation. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, found a significant correlation between sodium intake and fatness, even when calories were controlled for.
African American youth experiencing frequent discrimination during adolescence are at risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Emotional support from parents and peers can protect against stress-related damage.
Studies of adult twins and adolescents reveal a strong connection between short or long sleep durations and increased risk of depressive symptoms. Optimal sleep duration is essential for mental health, suggesting that prioritizing sleep may enhance treatment effectiveness for depression.
The report estimates new cancer cases and deaths among children and adolescents in the US, summarizing data on incidence, mortality, and survival. Childhood cancers remain a significant cause of death, with many long-term health issues affecting survivors, and only a small percentage having known preventable causes.
Adolescents who ate poor breakfasts displayed a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome 27 years later. The study found that abdominal obesity and high levels of fasting blood glucose levels were the subcomponents linked to poor breakfast in youth.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that including waist circumference measurements in clinical practice can help identify children and adolescents at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In Spanish children aged 6-17, 21.3% have abdominal obesity, with traditional screening methods missing 70% of cases.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released new resources to help parents, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists address teen substance abuse. The guides cover treatment approaches, screening tools, and evidence-based practices, highlighting the unique challenges faced by adolescents in addressing drug use.
A study found significant gaps in perceptions of anti-social behavior between age groups. Adults were more likely than young people to interpret behaviors like swearing and cycling on the street as ASB. Young people, particularly teenagers, were seen as perpetrators of ASB, but also as victims when an elderly man shouted insults at them.
Researchers found that homosexual youth found comfort in messages supporting them and advocating for social change, with such messages being more comforting than those focused solely on social connection. The study highlights the importance of intergroup communication and its impact on targets of prejudice.
A study by Julie Boergers linked later school start times to improved sleep and mood in teens. The research found a significant increase in sleep duration and reduction in daytime sleepiness, depressed mood, and caffeine use after the delay in school start time.
Teenage boys who perceive themselves as underweight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and engage in steroid use. The research highlights the importance of addressing body image concerns among adolescent boys, particularly those who feel bullied or underweight.
A study by UPV/EHU links high dietary fat content with increased abdominal fat in adolescents, regardless of physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring dietary fat intake for preventing obesity and related health issues in this vulnerable age group.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study tracked over 36,000 children taking two commonly prescribed antidepressants and found no evidence of increased suicidal risk. The research aimed to inform decision-making on treatment options for pediatric patients with major depressive disorder.
Conversations about sex are rare between doctors and teenagers, lasting only a minute on average, despite the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending physicians address these topics. Longer visits and confidentiality increase the chances that sex is mentioned.
A six-year study found prolonged exposure-A to be more effective than supportive counseling in reducing PTSD and depression symptom severity in adolescent girls who have experienced sexual abuse. The therapy, modified for the developmental stage of adolescents, showed improved overall functioning and long-term benefits.
A study published in JAMA Network found that prolonged exposure therapy significantly improved PTSD symptoms and depression in adolescent girls with a history of sexual abuse. The therapy was more effective than supportive counseling, with participants showing greater improvement in general functioning.
A study by Dr. Nathan Watemberg found that gum-chewing teenagers experience headaches due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which can be treated by quitting gum chewing. The study involved 30 patients between six and 19 years old who had chronic migraine or tension headaches
African American women and girls living in urban areas face significant barriers to physical activity, including lack of access to gyms and limited time. Wanda Thompson's research suggests that personalized, community-based programs like church fitness initiatives can promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce health risks.
Researchers have identified a key 'teenage gene' that plays a role in mental health vulnerability, particularly during adolescence. The DCC gene's dysfunction has been linked to behavioral consequences that persist into adulthood.
New research found that six in ten 13-year-old girls are afraid of gaining weight or getting fat, with one in three girls and one in five boys avoiding fatty foods. The study also revealed that unhealthy weight-control strategies can lead to higher odds of being overweight and obese at age 15.
A new analysis found that children aged 6 to 11 years on the waiting list have similar mortality rates to older candidates, contradicting earlier data suggesting higher death rates. The study helps inform ongoing discussions about potential changes to the US lung allocation policy.
A new study suggests that social ties, including relationships with peers and parents, play a more significant role in teen sleep problems than biological factors. The research found that parental monitoring, pro-social friendships, and time spent on screens can impact adolescent sleep habits.
Researchers found that adolescent mice consume more alcohol when surrounded by peers, challenging the assumption that peer pressure is solely responsible for teen risk-taking. This study supports Steinberg's previous findings that peer influence primes the reward system in adolescents.
Research from North Carolina State University found that nonstandard work schedules can hurt parent-child relationships, increasing delinquent behaviors. However, certain circumstances can be beneficial for children, particularly when one parent works a nonstandard schedule while the other maintains a standard schedule.
Research reveals that congenital heart defects can have a lasting impact on brain development in children, with smaller brain volumes associated with learning difficulties. Brain changes may already exist before surgery, reducing the risk of neurological complications.
A strong sense of ethnic identity can help Latina girls feel positive about their body and appearance by acting as a buffer against the media's barrage of unrealistic images. The study found that cultural pride can be partially protective against body dissatisfaction, but it's not a panacea.
A new study refutes the theory that lions are a major predator of cheetah cubs and finds that big cats can coexist in protected areas. Cheetah cub survival rates were found to be higher in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park than previously thought.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that e-cigarette use is associated with heavier cigarette smoking and lower quit rates among Korean youth. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be creating a new route to nicotine addiction for kids.
A recent study found that cannabis use among adolescents is stable or increasing in developing countries, unlike richer nations where it's declining. The research suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a role in shaping cannabis use patterns among young people.
A study of teens and young adults found a link between poor mental health and casual sex, with each contributing to the other over time. Researchers found that those who engaged in casual sex were more likely to later seriously consider suicide.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that teenage milk consumption is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in men, while no such association was found in women. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the relationship between early milk consumption and height on hip fracture risk.
A new study by Duke University professor E. Jane Costello found that more than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment. Treatment rates vary greatly depending on the disorder and provider, with teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders being the least likely to be treated.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...