Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A recent study by Seattle Children's Research Institute found that 54% of adolescents frequently discuss high-risk activities on MySpace, including substance abuse, sexual behavior, and violence. Profiles with church or religious involvement, sports, or hobbies were associated with decreased displays of risky behaviors.
A report from the JAMA/Archives journals found that nearly half of teens reference sex or substance use on their online profiles. A subsequent intervention study showed a single warning email from a physician reduced mentions of sex, while references to substance use remained lower over time.
Research establishes a clear link between family rejection of LGB adolescents and negative health outcomes in early adulthood. Higher rates of family rejection during adolescence were significantly associated with poorer health outcomes for LGB young adults, including depression, suicidal attempts, and HIV risk behaviors.
Up to 20% of children and adolescents experience anxiety disorders, which can lead to educational underachievement and increased rates of depression and substance abuse later in life. Effective treatments include antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a combination of both, with partial treatment not being adequate.
A new study from Iowa State University found that early socioeconomic adversity in children contributes to poor mental health by the time they become teens, disrupting their transition into adulthood. The study also shows the mechanisms that this influence operates through.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teen sexual risk behaviors are similar among youth with few and those with many non-sexual health risks. Despite differences in overall health risk levels, trends in sexual behavior were remarkably consistent across both groups.
Public concerns about costs and promiscuity pose a barrier to cervical cancer vaccinations, according to a Yale University study. The vast majority of surveyed adults believe the risk of cervical cancer is low with the HPV vaccine, but think adolescent promiscuity will increase among vaccinated teens.
A recent review found that Montana Meth Project's graphic anti-methamphetamine ads were associated with negative outcomes, including increased meth use among teenagers. The study suggests that the campaign's focus on exaggerating risks may have had unintended consequences.
A new analysis finds that state policies meant to limit minors' indoor tanning use have had little impact, with the practice increasing in states without such policies. The study reveals five factors associated with indoor tanning use: age, gender, social attitude, parental involvement, and permission.
The Strong African-American Families Program, a 7-week program, reduces alcohol use and risky behavior in youth, while also reducing conduct problems. The study found that the program's benefits last up to 6 years after intervention.
A new study found that a school-based asthma education program, Kickin' Asthma, significantly improves asthma symptoms, medication usage and reduction of asthma-related morbidity among urban adolescent students. The program also reduces days of activity limitations and school absences.
Alcohol can damage or kill neurons, altering adolescent brain development. Research suggests that teens are more likely to make bad decisions, develop tolerance, take risks, harm memories and interact poorly with medications when drinking alcohol.
A study published by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) reports on the successful diagnosis and removal of self-inflicted foreign objects from adolescents. The minimally invasive procedure allowed for safe and precise removal of embedded objects with minimal scarring.
A recent study using MRI scans has identified new types of injuries in young gymnasts, including necrosis of the bones in their knuckles. The research suggests that these injuries may develop into early osteoarthritis if left untreated, highlighting the need for changes in practice routines to reduce joint stress.
A study of 273 adolescents found that those who had early sex were more likely to have lower academic achievement, depression, ADHD, and ODD. Parents' positive influence was also shown to reduce risky sexual behavior during adolescence.
A new study found that adolescents are more likely to smoke when their parents begin smoking at a young age and the smoking persists over time. The study used longitudinal data to identify parental smoking behaviors as predictors of adolescent smoking risk.
A new study using high-resolution CT scans found that adolescents with mild anorexia exhibit abnormal bone structure, even before significant bone mineral density decreases. The researchers suggest that traditional methods like DXA may not accurately reflect true bone health in these patients.
Researchers analyzed 13,223 school children aged 13-14 from four locations to investigate asthma prevalence. The study found that asthma symptoms were lowest in mainland China, highest in Canada-born individuals, and varied among Hong Kong residents.
A longitudinal study found that characteristics in four social environments—families, peers, schools, and neighborhoods—contribute to adolescent alcohol misuse. The study highlights the importance of examining connections between all social environments and suggests a more inclusive view of adolescent social worlds.
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.