Articles tagged with Adolescents
Researchers aim to identify youth at high risk for psychosis with 85-95% accuracy, using brain development patterns, electrical activity, and gene expression. The study seeks to understand the neural mechanisms involved and potentially modify cortisol secretion to buffer teenagers against its effects.
Researchers found that teenage girls are more aware of the complexities of relationships and see their partner's point of view, while boys often use aggressive language and pressure girls into sex. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to address alcohol use and promote healthy attitudes towards sex education.
A study found that adolescents addicted to opioids who received extended treatment with combination medication had lower rates of testing positive or reporting use of opioids compared to those in short-term detoxification programs. Patients in the extended treatment group reported less use of opioids and cocaine, as well as a lower nee...
A recent study published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that childhood anxiety and nervousness can protect young men from committing crimes until they turn 21. However, after this age, these traits no longer provide protection, and individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that adolescents exposed to high levels of sexual content on TV are twice as likely to be involved in a pregnancy over three years. The study suggests that TV programming typically does not highlight the risks and responsibilities of sex, contributing to higher teen pregnancy rates.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that flu vaccination rates for adolescents with asthma and other illnesses are still low, ranging from 8-15% over the study period. However, the researchers suggest that a universal influenza vaccination approach may increase coverage among this population.
Researchers identified 1500 young adolescents with high math scores on the SAT and followed their careers. Those who scored highest in math went on to publish more scientific papers and earn patents in advanced degrees groups. High math achievement also predicted success among graduate students at top-ranked science universities.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that late teens from disadvantaged neighborhoods are four times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers also discovered that these youth experience higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower social support.
Suicide rates among UK teens aged 10-19 decreased by 28%, particularly among males, who experienced a 35% drop. Young males are more likely to commit suicide than females, with three times the rate of female adolescents.
Despite having a parent with health insurance, approximately 4% of US children and adolescents experience gaps in coverage, leading to significant unmet healthcare needs. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to keep entire families covered, as the private system often fails to provide adequate coverage.
A large study of Finnish twins found that early-onset depressive disorders at age 14 predicted daily smoking, tobacco use, and frequent alcohol consumption later. The findings suggest a significant association between early depression and substance abuse in adolescents, regardless of genetic or family factors.
Researchers propose alternative strategies to combat tobacco use, focusing on vulnerable populations such as homeless individuals, Aboriginal people, and those with mental illness. New approaches aim to better understand the underlying factors hindering population-based interventions.
A study found that early exposure to drugs and alcohol increases the risk of early pregnancy, substance dependence, and criminal convictions. The research tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealand residents from birth to age 32 and showed that even 'good kids' who used substances before 15 faced poorer health outcomes.
Research finds that marijuana use during adolescence is associated with poorer performance on thinking tasks, including slower psychomotor speed and poorer complex attention, verbal memory, and planning ability. Chronic heavy use is linked to abnormal brain activation and impaired cognitive functioning even after a month of abstinence.
Researchers found that 35% of Brazilian boys and 24% of Italian boys suffered from metabolic syndrome, with girls having a lower prevalence. Insulin resistance was a major factor contributing to the increased risk in Brazil.
A longitudinal study found that adolescent insomnia symptoms are associated with depression, suicide ideation, and substance abuse during adolescence and young adulthood. Adolescents with insomnia were more likely to develop depression and suicidal thoughts, and to engage in substance use.
A study by the University of Cambridge found a link between lower cortisol levels and antisocial behavior in male adolescents. The research suggests that antisocial behavior may be linked to physiological symptoms, including a chemical imbalance of cortisol in the brain and body.
A new study found that American children are three times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medication than their European counterparts. The differences in practice may be attributed to various factors, including diagnostic classification systems, government cost restrictions, and the use of direct-to-consumer drug advertising.
A new Iowa State University study found that mothers' self-fulfilling effects on their children's alcohol use are rooted in the power of positive thinking and self-verification theory. The research suggests that if moms help their teens develop a positive self-view, it can limit their chances of using alcohol.
A study published in Child Development found that girls from poor neighborhoods are more likely to initiate sex at an early age, especially those with conduct problems. Peer groups and deviant friends play a significant role in shaping their behavior and desirability of early sexual activity.
New research finds that adolescent brains exposed to painkillers like Oxycontin can sustain permanent changes in their reward system, making them more vulnerable to addiction later in adulthood. Adolescent mice self-administered the drug less frequently than adults, and re-exposed adult mice had higher dopamine levels.
Bob Atkins, a Rutgers College of Nursing assistant professor, has been awarded the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Nurse Faculty Scholar Award to collect data on high school-aged youth living in Camden, NJ. The three-year grant aims to reduce health disparities and improve understanding of adolescent health behaviors.
A recent study found that teens who did not use condoms were more likely to believe that condoms reduce sexual pleasure and were concerned about their partner's approval. The study recommends clinical interventions to address these attitudes and promote condom use.
Middle schoolers are increasingly exposed to alcohol use due to peer pressure and social events. Parents can take proactive steps to prevent early drinking by having open conversations with their children about the risks of alcohol abuse.
A study found that high levels of religious participation may contribute to adolescent depression among Latino and Asian-American youth, particularly those who face cultural conflicts between their faith and mainstream American society. In contrast, white and African-American teens showed no significant increase in depressive symptoms.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-focused therapy, combined with medication, significantly reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents with bipolar disorder. The treatment was shown to lead to faster recovery from depressive episodes and improved quality of life.
Antipsychotics have shown efficacy in treating psychotic disorders and other conditions in children and adolescents, but concerns about metabolic side effects and long-term safety remain. Studies have found increased risk of weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycaemia with certain antipsychotics.
A study in Rwanda found that nearly half of orphaned youth aged 12-24 who head households meet criteria for depression. The combined effects of the genocide and HIV epidemic have left many orphans vulnerable to poverty, social marginalization, and poor health.
A new study reveals that parents are concerned, involved, and reflective participants in their children's identity development. They invest time and effort thinking about their children's future identities and take a complex view, respecting their agency while considering broader social and cultural perspectives.
A new study suggests that allopurinol can reduce blood pressure in adolescents with newly diagnosed hypertension by lowering uric acid levels. The trial found significant decreases in casual and ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP in patients treated with allopurinol.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Georgia State University found that adolescents in Sderot, Israel, who experienced high levels of social support were better protected against depression caused by ongoing terror attacks. The research highlights the potential importance of community mental health efforts as prote...
Healthy teens who slept less than 6.5 hours a night were 2.5 times more likely to have elevated blood pressure compared to those who slept longer, with an average increase of 4 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. The study also found that poor sleep efficiency was associated with higher risk of prehypertension and hypertension.
Researchers found that teenagers with low sleep efficiency and short sleep duration are at a higher risk of elevated blood pressure and pre-hypertension. The study suggests that optimizing sleep quality is essential for preventing high blood pressure and other health problems in adolescents.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that high school students in metropolitan China prioritize good relations with peers over parents for self-esteem. High school is a challenging period for Chinese adolescents due to intense academic pressures from parents.
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed 2 or more servings of dairy per day had higher levels of bone mineral content and density. Dairy was also shown to have a combined beneficial effect when paired with other protein sources, leading to increased bone mineral content over 300 grams.
The American Psychological Association's task force emphasizes the need for evidence-based practice in treating youth with mental health issues. The approach should be culturally responsive and accessible to all youths, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. The report highlights the benefits of using empirically tested trea...
Research suggests that obese adolescents who experience peer victimization are more likely to struggle with depression and negative feelings about their physical appearance. Non-obese adolescents who face peer victimization also report decreased self-esteem and increased negative body image over time.
A new University of Washington study reveals that abstinence-only programs do not effectively prevent teenage sexual activity because they fail to speak the same language as adolescents. The research found that attitudes and intentions about sex were more powerful than those about abstinence, leading to increased instances of teen sex.
Early maturity and low parental nurturance, communication, and knowledge are linked to increased aggression in adolescent girls. Positive parenting skills can mitigate negative effects of early maturation.
A study published in Pediatrics found that an average of 12.5% of 10-14 year olds are exposed to graphic violence in R-rated movies, with some films seen by up to 48% of this age group. The researchers recommend rethinking the movie rating system and promoting clearer messages to parents.
Researchers found that adolescent girls who experienced serious school failures were significantly more likely to develop depression by age 21 compared to their male counterparts. The study also revealed that early conduct problems in elementary school increased the risk of depression in early adulthood for girls, but not boys.
A new study found that teen smokers progress through stages in their attempts to quit smoking, including increased cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Only 19% of participants managed to stop smoking for 12 months or more by the end of the five-year study.
A new study explores how immigrant adolescents navigate their ethnic identities during high school. Most choose hyphenated labels and change them over time, highlighting the importance of this period in shaping their identities.
Children's physical activity significantly decreases between the ages of 9 and 15, with only 31% meeting guidelines by 15 years old. The decline in physical activity is associated with an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases among youth.
A questionnaire of Swiss schoolchildren revealed truancy and school fear linked to life events, parental behavior, and school environment. 6.9% experienced school fear at thirteen years old, increasing to 18.5% at sixteen years old, with girls more likely than boys.
A survey of 910 college students found that almost half had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence in a relationship. Emotional abuse was the most common type of violence, and researchers emphasize the importance of early educational efforts on healthy relationships to prevent poor outcomes.
The US healthcare system struggles to vaccinate adolescents, despite three new vaccines available to prevent five serious diseases. The authors identify unique issues, including consent, financing, and surveillance, that require national attention to improve adolescent immunization.
A new study found that teenage girls' peer groups significantly influence their weight control behaviors. Girls who identified with non-conformist peers were more concerned about their weight and appearance, while those who skipped school and got into trouble believed their peers valued thinness and dieting.
Teenagers who underwent minimally invasive gastric banding surgery experienced significant improvements in abdominal fat, triglyceride levels, blood sugar control, liver function, and immune response. After six months, they lost an average of 20 pounds.
A new study found that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery improves the health of morbidly obese teenagers just six months after the procedure. The patients experienced significant improvement in measures of medical disorders, including abdominal fat, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
A two-week study found that delaying school start time by one hour improved cognitive test scores in eighth graders. The experimental group woke up later and performed better on the first week, with longer sleep duration positively affecting cognitive functioning.
A study of 798 teenagers found that those with parents who suffer from chronic insomnia are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The research suggests that family sleep interventions could help alleviate these risks.
Research suggests that reduced REM sleep is associated with increased risk of being overweight in children and adolescents. According to a study, one hour less of total sleep or REM sleep increases the odds of being overweight by two- to three-fold.
A study by RAND Corporation found that adolescents who made virginity pledges were less likely to engage in sexual activity than similar youth who did not make a pledge. The study suggests that virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort.
Teenagers who excessively use their cell phones are more prone to disrupted sleep, restlessness, stress, and fatigue. The study found that young people with excessive mobile phone use behave like larks rather than owls, suggesting a delayed biological clock. It is recommended that adolescents get nine hours of nightly sleep.
A study found that students who slept less than eight hours per night had lower GPAs and were more likely to experience emotional disturbances. The research suggests that getting enough sleep is crucial for adolescents' psychological functioning and can have serious consequences.
A new study reveals that reduced school-night sleep begins early in adolescence, even with delayed school start times. Family incomes below $40,000 were significantly associated with more delayed sleep patterns, while regular health care contact led to healthier sleep habits.
A recent study found that teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 had an average accrual rate of just 16.6% in clinical trials between 2005 and 2008, compared to 44.1% for 5-14 year-olds. The low recruitment rates are attributed to inappropriate trial design, poor accessibility, and a lack of specialist cancer teams for this age group.
High school students with a delayed school start time sleep significantly longer on school nights, reporting less daytime sleepiness. Total sleep time increases by 33 minutes due to a later rise time, while students' bedtime is marginally later and weekend night sleep time decreases slightly.
A study of 372 teenagers found that 18% admitted to eating problems, while anxiety was a more significant issue. Students with anxiety were 20 times more likely to experience ongoing eating problems and had higher rates of depression and health complaints.