Articles tagged with Adolescents
Researchers found that adolescents with higher risk for depression had lower levels of neuroprotective compounds, while inflammation-driven neurotoxic chemicals were more prevalent in females. This study suggests an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway may contribute to the higher incidence of depression among teenage girls.
Childhood tuberculosis cases in the EU/EEA have increased by 26% over the past three years, with young children under 15 accounting for 4.3% of all TB cases. The rise in pediatric TB has raised concerns about incomplete treatment, drug-resistant TB, and further transmission.
A study by Tampere University found that childhood brain injuries, including mild concussions, can lead to lower educational attainment in adulthood. Researchers compared individuals with brain injuries to those with limb fractures and found significant differences in educational outcomes over a 20-year period.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports a rise in tuberculosis cases among children and adolescents in the EU/EEA, with a slight increase in the notification rate from 2.0 to 2.5 per 100,000 population. The highest proportion of paediatric TB was observed in children aged 1 to 4 years old.
A study found that African American youth who sought parental advice and received elaborate cognitive restructuring guidance had more positive social appraisals. Practitioners can equip parents with tools to enhance their parenting strategies and provide supportive guidance.
Researchers found that digital games effective in reducing drinking, smoking, and illicit drug use among adolescents when personalized to individual players, had social components, and included content encouraging behavior change.
Research highlights how social media expectations and visual content contribute to digital stress and friendships conflicts. Disappointment from unmet expectations is a stronger predictor of conflict than constant availability pressure. Setting boundaries and managing notifications can help reduce misunderstandings.
A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.
A 22-year study analyzing US youth data found that most adolescents decreased risky behavior, including substance use and violence, while reporting no signs of depression. However, a small proportion reported increased mental health concerns, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment efforts.
A new study reveals that climate change is having a severe impact on adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and sense of hopelessness reported. The research highlights the need for mental health supports to be built into climate adaptation efforts to help young people facing an uncerta...
A new study has found that teenage girls in London experience higher levels of depression than their Tokyo counterparts, with the gap doubling to twice as large by age 16. The research also suggests that social influences and cultural contexts play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes.
A machine learning model developed by a team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis can accurately predict which adolescents with HIV are at risk of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy. The model incorporates socio-behavioral and economic factors, including economic stability, education, and family structure.
Researchers developed a new therapy that teaches patients to tolerate stomach and body discomfort, improving functional brain deficits linked to visceral disgust. The study showed improved outcomes for adolescents with low-weight eating disorders compared to traditional family-based treatment.
Researchers found that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) stored in body fat leads to disruptions in lipid metabolism and altered prostaglandin pathways, contributing to long-term higher blood pressure in adolescents. POPs diminish the beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on improved blood pressure.
A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.
A new dataset captures over 170 years of US state laws governing minors' legal capacity to independently consent to sexual health services without parental involvement. This increase in states allowing minors to consent has substantial limitations, including complexity and neglect of confidentiality concerns.
A USC study found proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. The research identified potential biomarkers that could serve as early indicators of a person's risk for bone health issues later in life.
A new NIH study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program found that teens with strong, high-quality friendships tend to have better mental health. The study suggests that emphasizing ways to bolster the quality of their social relationships could help address the current youth mental health crisis.
A new study published in PLOS One found that adolescent boys who experience violence are at a significantly increased risk of perpetrating physical and sexual intimate partner violence. The research collected real-time data over mobile phones and revealed that these boys have up to 8 times the odds of committing such acts on the same day.
A longitudinal study found that neural changes in teenagers' brain networks for reward processing and executive functioning improve with age. The researchers discovered changes in the strength of communication between brain regions as people aged, associated with improved reward-related decision-making and executive function.
A Finnish study found that excessive screen time is linked to higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health, with balanced habits crucial for prevention.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's 2025 Scientific Sessions found a link between insomnia, poor sleep duration, and elevated blood pressure in teenagers. The study suggests that addressing sleep health is crucial for heart health in adolescents.
Research by University of Zurich reveals African young adults prioritize communal values over individual exploration in transition to adulthood. Education and family support are key factors in achieving full adult status, as seen in the study on Ovambo people of Namibia.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
Children of primary school age demonstrate highest learning performance in associative learning, outperforming adults and adolescents. Repeated exposure to learned material enhances learning performance across age groups.
A survey of 200 UK teachers found that 76% of secondary school teachers and 60% of primary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their students. The study reveals that male students often reflect misogynistic ideas, while female students face victims of misogyny in schools.
A new longitudinal study from Florida Atlantic University finds that students who exhibit off-putting behaviors are at elevated risk of antagonizing others and becoming involved in enemy relationships. Emotional reactivity and poor school performance are also strong predictors of later participation in an enemy relationship.
A new study uses advanced lung MRI to detect regional blood flow abnormalities in children and adolescents with long COVID, which may explain persistent symptoms. The researchers found reduced blood flow patterns that correlated with fatigue symptom severity, suggesting a possible biological basis for ongoing symptoms.
Researchers found that negative early life experiences can lead to delayed brain development in adolescents, increasing vulnerability to mental health disorders. The study suggests brain connectivity rather than cognitive control behavior is a stronger predictor of future substance use.
A study of over 3,600 adolescents found that spending more than 3 hours a day engaged in sedentary behaviors increases the risk of psychological distress. In contrast, moderate screen exposure invested in educational activities was linked to less psychological distress.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A new review of clinical trials found that single-session interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes for both youth and adults, with 83% reporting positive effects. The approach is poised to fill gaps in the mental health care system, particularly for digital, self-guided therapies.
A Canadian study of over 2,500 adolescents and young adults found that supplement users are more likely to experience muscle dysmorphia. The study suggests a potential link between muscle-building supplement use and the development of this condition.
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.
A new programme called 'I CAN' has been shown to increase grit and self-efficacy among 15-year-old boys, leading to improved confidence and a mindset focused on success. Although the programme also yielded small increases for girls, the results were not significant.
Researchers found that teens with obesity consumed more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to their peers of healthy weight. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates that the body's biological clock directly impacts food intake throughout the day.
Researchers discovered that adolescents with higher body mass indexes consumed more calories later in the day than their peers of healthy weight. The study controlled for environmental and behavioral influences to isolate the role of the circadian system in shaping eating patterns.
Researchers found two patterns of irregular sleep schedules that can increase cardiac risk in adolescents. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle may protect them from future adverse cardiac outcomes.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that everyday stress, loneliness, and childhood trauma are significant risk factors for dissociation in teenagers and young adults. The research identified four key risk factors, with everyday stress being the most significant.
A Finnish cohort study found that higher physical activity and lower screen time in childhood are associated with reduced perceived stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity and reducing screen time to support mental health in youth.
Small increases were observed in childhood obesity rates and severe obesity among US adults between 2013 and 2023. The study found no significant changes in waist circumference or other obesity-related measures during this period.
A new study finds that female adolescents face barriers such as societal pressures, body image concerns, and limited sports options, leading to a 60% dropout rate in Australia. Interventions that consider girls' cultural norms can increase engagement and retention, highlighting the need for more research and tailored programs.
A University of Córdoba study identifies how peer pressure can spur adolescents to participate in cyberbullying, recommending humanization and dignification of cybervictims as a strategy to prevent this form of harassment.
A study published in Appetite found that positioning main course options from lowest to highest calorie amounts increases the likelihood of adolescents choosing healthier meals. The experiment showed a significant reduction in calorie content when lower-calorie options were made more accessible.
Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight face triple the risk of self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of objective weight. The study also highlights the critical role of schools and communities in creating supportive environments.
A new study suggests that self-collected test kits could increase reproductive health access among youth due to their convenience, privacy, and comfort. The findings highlight the need to prioritize STI testing among young people to address disparities in health care access.
A pilot study will explore whether a ketogenic diet helps stabilize mood symptoms in teens and young adults with bipolar disorder. Preliminary research suggests improvements in mood and executive function among older adults.
A new study finds that parents' own screen habits significantly increase the likelihood of preteens engaging with mature media. Proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules are linked to lower consumption of mature content.
A first-of-its-kind study found that restrictive school policies didn't lead to lower phone and social media use among students, nor better outcomes in mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests that reducing time spent on phones is crucial, but schools must consider phone use beyond their boundaries.
Early-onset type 2 diabetes incidence and disability-adjusted life years increased sharply in China from 1990 to 2021, primarily driven by high body mass index and ambient pollution. Targeted interventions are needed for males and younger age groups.
A recent study found that half of US adolescents spend at least 66 minutes per day on their smartphones during school hours, with the majority using messaging and social media apps.
A new study found that 81% of Brazilian adolescents had experienced some form of childhood trauma by age 18, with the more types of trauma experienced increasing the risk of mental health problems. The study highlights the need for early interventions to reduce trauma exposure and mitigate its long-term consequences on mental health.
A new study found that empathy responses peak in young adulthood, with increased sensitivity to social pain. This development demonstrates that empathy strengthens as people age, but also accompanies reduced ratings of pain for others, highlighting the complexities of empathic responses.
A cohort study from JAMA Network Open reveals an association between temperature exposure and increased psychiatric symptoms among adolescents in the Netherlands and Spain. The findings suggest a possible link between climate change and mental health, warranting further research across diverse climates.
A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to cold temperatures was associated with increased internalizing problems, while heat exposure was linked to attention problems in adolescents. Psychiatric symptoms affect about one in seven adolescents worldwide, and climate change may exacerbate these conditions.
A new study found that Colorado's parental notification law imposes emotional, physical hurdles on adolescents seeking abortion care, delaying access and increasing stress. The law disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those with unstable family relationships or histories of trauma.
Between 2012 and 2022, the number of children and young people being admitted to general acute medical wards in England due to mental health concerns increased by 65%, from 24,198 to 39,925. This rise was greatest among girls aged 11-15 and for eating disorders.
The paper highlights the need for a critical re-evaluation of how we study digital technologies' impact on young people's mental health. Oxford researchers call for a collaborative evidence-based framework to regulate AI integration into online platforms, ensuring its safety and benefits for children and adolescents.
A UConn study found that Black adolescent girls experience higher levels of hair dissatisfaction and related depression compared to their peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as positive messaging about hair and texture, may help improve hair satisfaction and reduce depressive symptoms.