Articles tagged with Adolescents
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that most teenagers who use alcohol and drugs start using them during adolescence, with the median age of onset at 14 years old. By late adolescence, nearly three-quarters of teens reported having consumed alcohol, and one-fifth had met criteria for lifetime abuse.
A study found that waist measures, including waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, are associated with lipid and blood pressure assessments in overweight and obese adolescents. In contrast, body mass index alone did not show strong associations with these health markers.
Suicide rates in Canada are increasing among girls aged 10-19, with suffocation being the most common method. The rate for females increased from 0.6 to 6.2 per 100,000 between 1980 and 2008, while deaths by suffocation rose by an average of 8% annually.
Research reveals that Asian Canadian LGBTQ+ teens are 30 times more likely to face harassment than their heterosexual peers, with higher rates of substance use and stress. Social supports from family, school, or peers may help buffer the stress of harassment for these adolescents.
A structured coaching program called Coaching Boys into Men has been found to improve male high school athletes' ability to recognize and intervene in dating violence. The program, delivered by coaches, increases positive bystander behaviors and encourages athletes to be leaders in their communities.
A recent study found that teachers and parents significantly influence adolescent engagement in school, contrary to the widely-held belief that peers do. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,500 teens and found that social support from adults can counteract the negative effects of peers.
Adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease exhibit poor dental hygiene practices despite better overall health behaviors. Substance use increases with age in these patients, but they also tend to have lower rates of binge drinking compared to their peers.
Researcher Russell Chesney hypothesizes that 18th century London's crowded living conditions, poor diets, and low sunlight exposure contributed to high rates of rickets and tuberculosis in children like Tiny Tim. Improved nutrition, vitamin D from sunlight and cod liver oil could have prevented the boy's fatal condition
A study found that young adolescents exposed to smoking in movies are at a greater risk of smoking compared to older peers. Early exposure to smoking depicted in movies is associated with an increased risk of becoming established smokers.
Archaeologists have uncovered a slave burial ground on St Helena, containing the remains of around 5,000 enslaved people. Osteological analysis reveals that most victims were children or young adults, with scurvy and violence being common causes of death.
Researchers found that chronic stress in adolescence leads to a loss of glutamate receptor expression and function, resulting in impaired memory and recognition. Disrupting the enzymes responsible for this loss may prevent cognitive impairment induced by repeated stress exposure.
More than 2 million US teenagers suffer from depression, with few receiving adequate treatment. New research highlights the need for more effective treatments and better therapeutic strategies.
The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care published new evidence-based guidelines to overcome barriers to optimal HIV care. The guidelines address key areas such as entry into care, monitoring adherence, and education, with a focus on special populations like children and adolescents.
Children with mild traumatic brain injuries are at higher risk for long-term cognitive and somatic complaints, including inattention and headaches. The study found that children with mild TBI were more likely to exhibit reliable increases in both cognitive and somatic symptoms.
A new study from UCSF identifies a broad number of evidence-based recommendations for young adult preventive care. The transition to young adulthood is associated with increased engagement in health-damaging behaviors and preventable health problems. Primary care visits present an opportunity to improve the health of this population.
A study of 6,712 preadolescent and adolescent girls found that higher vitamin D intake was associated with a lower risk of developing stress fractures. In contrast, dairy and calcium intakes were unrelated to the risk of stress fractures.
A recent study found that boys' initial enthusiasm for upper secondary school gives way to cynicism and negativity as they progress. Girls experience a sense of inadequacy, which may lead to depression later in life. The study highlights the importance of effective stress management and supportive environments to promote positive growth.
Researchers have developed a web-based therapeutic programme called Fatigue In Teenagers on the interNET (FITNET) that is substantially more effective than standard treatment in reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. After 6 months, 63% of adolescents receiving FITNET reported recovery, compared to 16% on standard care.
Research by Université de Montrêl neuropsychologist Dave Ellemberg shows that adolescents are more sensitive to the effects of a sport-related concussion than adults or children. The study found that a first concussion can result in six months to a year of neurophysiological side effects for adolescents, adults, and children alike.
Researchers used eye-tracking to measure relationship between cognitive and social disability in children with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that children with ASD were less likely to look at others' eyes and faces, but varying observation patterns were associated with different levels of social disability.
New studies by a Yale team reveal that interfering with the adolescent brain's defensive reaction to cocaine increases sensitivity to the drug. This finding may help explain why risk of drug abuse and addiction peaks during teenage years.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that computer-assisted decision tools in electronic health records substantially improve the identification and diagnosis of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased sharply, with at least 18 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds now considered obese.
Hospitalizations for US underage drinkers are common, with an estimated 700,000 young people hospitalized in 2008. The majority were drunk upon arrival, and the average age of those with alcohol-related discharges was 18 years old.
Adolescents who feel supported by their families and have caring friends are less likely to consider ending their lives. Conversely, those who experience victimization due to being gay are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience more school difficulty than healthy children, mainly in regard to school absences. Internalizing problems are a significant predictor of absences and school-related quality of life.
A study by the University of Seville found that 60% of Spanish adolescents do not take drugs and rarely drink alcohol. The friendship group is a key factor in their behavior, with teenagers who take drugs being less satisfied at school and with family but feeling more satisfied in their friendships.
A new study of middle schoolers found that teammates' smoking affects youths' decisions about smoking, with adolescents in more sports smoking less. Peer-led interactive programs can now be expanded to include sports teams to prevent teens from smoking.
A new study by Arizona State University finds that adolescents suffering from depression are more likely to develop difficulty in peer relationships, including being bullied at school. The research suggests that depression symptoms can predict negative peer relationships.
A new study by the RAND Corporation suggests that a voluntary after-school program focusing on substance use can help middle school-aged children avoid alcohol. The CHOICE program, presented in five 30-minute sessions, was found to reduce alcohol use among all students at intervention schools.
Researchers Lorette I. Winters and Paul C. Winters found that while black teens are twice as likely to be pregnant, rates for minor whites have increased and surpassed those of poor black minors. In better economies, the difference between black and white teen pregnancies nearly disappears.
Researchers found that parents tend to blame their children more when they are sexually abused by an adolescent, rather than an adult. This bias may be due to cultural and societal expectations surrounding adolescent sex offenders, leading parents to doubt their child's ability to prevent the abuse.
Researchers analyzed data from an observational study to examine the relationship between HIV illness severity and psychiatric disorders. The study found limited evidence of associations between specific antiretroviral therapy and psychiatric symptoms, but noted associations with quality of life and cognitive functioning.
A widely used behavioral prevention model in schools appears to reduce bullying and peer rejection. The School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) model promotes positive changes in staff and student behaviors, reducing the likelihood of engaging in bullying behavior.
Young people worldwide are at risk of depression, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Research suggests that prevention strategies targeted at high-risk individuals, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy, have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms.
Research finds that financially impoverished schools significantly predict adolescent weight problems, regardless of parental education level. Well-educated parents can mitigate this effect by recognizing health issues and teaching healthy food choices.
A retrospective study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related diseases in morbidly obese adolescents after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Four of five patients with high blood pressure resolved their condition within two years.
A study by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes found that genetic influences play a larger role in life-course persistent offending than environmental factors. For adolescent-limited offenders, environmental factors were more prominent.
A new study finds that adolescents from unstable families experience reduced academic success in rigorous high schools due to the mismatch between their family history and school characteristics. The study suggests that policymakers and educators must clarify college preparation processes and provide resources for disadvantaged students.
A study by University of Missouri researcher Micah Mazurek found that 64% of adolescents with ASD spent most of their free time watching TV and playing video games, while only 13.2% used socially interactive media.
Adolescents who consume high amounts of fructose are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to a recent study. The researchers found that heavy consumers of fructose had lower levels of protective fats like HDL cholesterol and adiponectin.
A new study by Leticia Marteleto found that the educational gap between black and white Brazilians remains significant, with whites completing nearly a year more education. The study suggests that large gains in family resources among black adolescents and shifts in racial labeling have contributed to the closing of the gap.
Researchers found increased brain cell activity in adolescent rats in an unusual area called the dorsal striatum, associated with habit formation and decision-making. This suggests that adolescents may be more susceptible to developing disorders like addiction and depression due to their unique brain response to reward.
According to the study published in JAMA Network, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among US adults remains at 35.7%, while children and teens show a higher prevalence of obesity, with significant increases in certain demographics, particularly among non-Hispanic black men and Mexican American women.
A new study compares brain activity in adolescents with and without a family history of alcoholism, finding that those at risk for alcohol use disorder show weaker activation in key brain regions. This suggests an increased vulnerability to poor decision-making regarding future alcohol use.
A Northwestern University study shows that India's affirmative action law for village councils has a positive impact on young women's aspirations and behavior. The law gave girls direct role models, leading to increased attendance at school and reduced household chores, as well as improved attitudes toward higher education goals.
A new teaching program improved siblings' knowledge and coping skills, enhancing their adjustment and psychological well-being after a sibling's cancer diagnosis. The pilot study showed promising results, with the intervention group showing better improvement in psychological well-being.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that guanfacine extended release significantly improves symptoms in children with ADHD who have a suboptimal response to psychostimulants. The study, conducted by Dr. Timothy E. Wilens and colleagues, showed that adjunctive administrat...
A new study recommends using the body mass index (BMI) method to calculate expected body weights in children with eating disorders. The research found that this method is more accurate than others and can account for varying heights and weights, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
Adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia show greater decreases in gray matter volume and increases in cerebrospinal fluid in the frontal lobe compared to healthy peers. Progressive brain changes are also linked to poorer prognosis, including longer hospitalization and reduced symptom improvement.
A systematic review of studies suggests that physical activity is positively related to improved academic performance in children. The findings support the idea that exercise may help cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing stress, and improving mood.
A longitudinal study of over 17,000 youths found that frequent school absences are associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems during adolescence. Students who were chronically absent in one year tended to have more depression and antisocial problems in subsequent years.
A study found that emergency contraception misinformation is common in low-income neighborhoods, with pharmacies incorrectly stating the age limit for over-the-counter access. This misinformation can restrict access to emergency contraception, a vital service for adolescents and individuals of childbearing age.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that one in 13 teenage girls reported having group-sex experience, which was often pressured or coerced. The study highlights the need for additional research on this topic and provides insights into the potential risks to sexual and reproductive health.
A study by McMaster researchers found that young adults' physical activity declines sharply after transitioning to university or college, with men experiencing the largest decrease. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in lifestyle and reduced engagement in leisure activities.
A new study found that providing clear caloric information about sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce their consumption among adolescents. Researchers discovered that physically presenting calories as physical activity equivalents was most effective in decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage purchases among black adolescents.
A new study found a strong relationship between adolescent drinking and criminal activity, including property crime, predatory crime, and victimization. Frequent alcohol consumption was associated with a greater probability of committing crimes and being victims, regardless of gender.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that adolescents with anorexia nervosa who receive high-calorie diets during hospitalization experience significant weight gain and have a shorter stay. The current conservative approach, which starts with low calorie intake, is not effective in preventing refeeding syndrome.
A systematic review of chronic pain in children and adolescents found that most types of pain are more prevalent in girls than in boys, with headache being the most common studied pain type. The prevalence rates of childhood pain have increased over the last several decades, highlighting the need for early interventions.
A new study by Yale University found that adolescents who were abused and neglected have less gray matter in certain brain areas than their non-maltreated peers. The study suggests a link between maltreatment and future mental health issues, with some areas affected more in boys or girls.
Adolescents with childhood maltreatment experience reduced cerebral gray matter volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, associated with behavioral difficulties and increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Self-reported CM subtypes show distinct patterns of gray matter changes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.