Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A three-year study of inner-city middle school students found that those with media resistance skills were significantly less likely to drink alcohol as ninth graders. Developing peer refusal skills also reduced the likelihood of drinking.
A new study found that clozapine was approximately twice as effective as high-dose olanzapine in treating adolescents with schizophrenia. Both medications produced significant weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, but clozapine showed greater symptom reduction for positive and negative symptoms.
Researchers studied 317 healthy teens aged 15-18 and found higher rates of albumin in the urine of black teens compared to their white counterparts, even with normal blood pressure. This suggests that kidney damage is apparent before hypertension develops in high-risk youths.
A study found that nearly 55% of teenagers with treatment-resistant depression showed improvement when switched to a different medication combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. The results suggest that clinicians should not hesitate to switch treatments, especially if an adolescent hasn't responded to initial treatment.
A study found that adolescents with ineffective depression medication saw improved symptoms when switching to a different antidepressant and adding cognitive behavioral therapy. The combination of treatments resulted in a higher rate of clinical response compared to changing medications alone.
A study of 100 teenagers found that both written handouts and computerized presentations with audiovisual components improved their knowledge of acne. The education tools focused on common misperceptions and provided information on causes, exacerbating factors, and treatment options.
A 2004 survey of 1,000 Iraqi adolescents found that those exposed to the Iraq War reported higher self-esteem levels compared to Palestinian youth. The study suggests that indirect threats to their social identities may contribute to this phenomenon.
A study found Croatian children were exposed to firearms and explosives at a much higher rate than other countries, leading to significantly increased rates of weapon-related deaths. The population remained heavily militarized even five years after the war, resulting in persistent increases in these deaths.
References to explicit substance use are common in popular music, particularly in genres like hip-hop and rap. The behavior is often motivated by peer pressure or sex, with highly positive consequences portrayed in most songs.
New research reveals that parental drinking habits directly impact adolescent drinking behaviors, as well as indirectly through perceptions of parenting. Monitoring and discipline are found to be strong intermediary roles in associations between parental and adolescent drinking behaviors.
A study of over 4,000 US adolescents found chronic insomnia can predict somatic and psychological problems in the future. Insomnia is a major public health burden among adolescents, comparable to other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that obese teenagers who lost weight showed an increase in bone mineral content, contrary to expectations, and this effect was largely explained by changes in body fat and muscle during the weight loss program. This finding raises important questions about the impact of early onset obesity on lifelong bone health.
A new UCLA study found that only half of children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit cognitive defects, challenging the common method for diagnosing the disorder. The research also suggested that medication is not always effective in treating ADHD, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to address long-term problems.
A sense of personal control over sexual behaviors significantly impacts Latina women's decisions on timing their first sexual intercourse. The study reveals a strong correlation between young Latina women's perceptions of family expectations and their own beliefs regarding the optimal age for sex initiation. This unique research contri...
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that adolescents and young adults with cancer are less likely to be enrolled in clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments. This can lead to lower survival rates compared to younger children, who have seen significant improvements in cure rates over the past 30 years.
Adolescent girls who frequently eat with their families are less likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors. The study found that regular family meals reduced the risk of using diet pills or laxatives among teen girls. In contrast, adolescent boys did not show a similar protective effect.
A study found that teen girls who perceive themselves as lower on the social ladder are more likely to gain weight over time. The research suggests that low school subjective social status may contribute to increases in BMI among adolescent girls.
Teen girls who frequently eat meals with their families are less likely to use extreme measures to control their weight. Regular family meals may offer protective benefits for adolescent girls, reducing the risk of disordered eating behaviors.
Participation in physical education decreases the likelihood of being an overweight adult by 5-28%. Wheel-related extracurricular activities show the most significant impact on maintaining a healthy weight into young adulthood. Regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity risk, especially during adolescence.
A recent study found that participating in school-based physical education and certain extracurricular activities during adolescence may lower the risk of becoming overweight as a young adult. The likelihood of being overweight was reduced by 48% for teens who performed wheel-related activities more than four times a week.
Researchers found that teens who remained sexually inexperienced reported fewer positive benefits from refraining from sex, while those who were sexually experienced valued refraining more. The study suggests that adults should guide teens on coping with both positive and negative outcomes of sexual behaviors.
A study of over 450 children found that nearly 40% have sipped or tasted alcohol by age 10, often in family settings. Children from families where parents drink more frequently are at higher risk, but most parents unaware of their child's experience.
A study found that teachers provide valuable information to schools about adolescent health issues due to their daily interactions with students. Teachers are concerned about handling mental health and behavioral problems but desire additional staff development workshops.
Researchers found a significant decline in commercial cigarette purchases among adolescents, while social sources increased. This decrease was linked to reduced smoking rates, suggesting that limiting access to cigarettes may be an effective strategy for curbing youth smoking.
A new study found that up to 37% of males and 44% of females will be obese when they turn 35 years old, leading to increased heart attacks, chronic chest pain, and deaths. The study projects over 100,000 extra cases of heart disease by 2035.
College freshmen show heightened cigarette use in early weeks of school, followed by decline, with most smoking on Fridays and Saturdays. Adolescents with ADHD are also found to be at high risk for smoking due to brain dysfunction and nicotine dependence.
A study of adolescent offenders found a new upper limit for ALT that is more sensitive for diagnosing liver disease. The findings suggest targeted interventions for at-risk youths, who are high-risk for HCV infection and obesity-related liver disease.
Researchers developed an HIV prevention program for adolescent runaways using a Strengths-Based Case Management model. The program focused on the youth's strengths and future goals, empowering them to realize their potential and preventing health risks.
A University of Minnesota researcher found that materialism in children and adolescents is directly connected to self-esteem, which peaks during early adolescence but declines in late adolescence. Boosting self-esteem by giving positive information about peer acceptance reduced materialism levels in teens.
New research findings suggest that girls may be more susceptible to their friends' drinking, while opposite-sex friends increase drinking for both genders. Genetic analyses indicate shared environmental effects across genders.
Research suggests that male adolescents are more likely to practice weight control behaviors and develop eating disorder symptoms due to societal pressures. In contrast, black female adolescents appear to resist these pressures, but may be at risk of becoming overweight in a culture that emphasizes super-sized portions.
A new study predicts a 10-fold increase in ADHD prescription costs for the NHS, rising from £7m to £49-101m by 2012. The research modelled various scenarios and considered factors such as drug availability, diagnosis rates, and treatment levels.
A new study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that teens who have sex at an early age are less likely to exhibit delinquent behavior in early adulthood. The researchers analyzed data from 534 same-sex twin pairs and discovered a link between early sex and better relationships later on.
A study of over 3,200 northern Manhattan adolescents found that Hispanic youths had better dental health habits than their black peers. The study also revealed higher rates of cavities and moderate-to-abundant plaque among black youth.
A University of Illinois professor argues that the educational and psychosocial benefits of online communication for teenagers far outweigh potential dangers. Online discussions enable critical thinking, argumentation, and support from peer groups, while also providing a safe space to explore identity and sensitive issues.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that approximately 15% of teens receiving routine outpatient medical care had positive results on a substance abuse screening test. The study highlights the importance of efficient office-based systems for substance abuse screening and therapeutic interventions.
A clinical trial of 312 adolescents found that bupropion plus counseling helped them quit smoking, with higher success rates at higher medication doses. After six weeks, 10.7% and 14.5% of teens in the 150mg and 300mg groups had quit, respectively.
A new study by Dr. Eric Fombonne found that social skills training groups for autistic adolescents can lead to significant improvements in social and interpersonal skills. The groups, which involve role-playing and peer validation, have been shown to be efficient and effective in reducing problems with irritability and sensitivity.
A recent issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Development explores how cross-group friendships affect intergroup attitudes in children and adolescents. The findings suggest a positive relationship between dual identity and positive intergroup attitudes, highlighting the importance of promoting social inclusion.
A new self-completed instrument, the Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire (CASQ), measures excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents. CASQ scores are positively correlated with age and display convergent validity with other surveys, showing promise as a valid measure for clinicians and parents.
The study reveals that adult steroid users are driven and ambitious individuals motivated by physical self-improvement, including muscle gain, strength, and attractiveness. These non-medical AAS users follow a health-centered lifestyle, using directed drug technology as part of their strategy.
A Norwegian study found that teenagers in Norway increased in height and weight between 1966-69 and 1995-97. The study also revealed a shift in the distribution of body mass index (BMI), with more underweight adolescents than previously thought.
A study of US children found that nearly one-third take dietary supplements regularly, with multivitamins and multiminerals being the most common. Supplement use was linked to higher family income, smoke-free homes, and lower body mass index in children.
A recent clinical trial funded by the NIH found that combining psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder. The TADS study showed improved recovery rates compared to using medication or therapy alone.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that an initial experience of relaxation in response to nicotine is the strongest predictor of future addiction among sixth-graders. Other factors that predicted addiction include familiarity with cigarette advertising, novelty-seeking personality and depressed mood.
A pilot study found that distributing blocks to toddlers led to higher language scores, suggesting block-play may promote language development. The results imply a program that distributes blocks could be effective in promoting development.
A randomized controlled trial shows that combination therapy with fluoxetine and cognitive behavior therapy is more effective than either strategy alone in treating adolescents with depression. This study suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may protect against treatment-emergent suicidal events in patients taking fluoxetine.
Researchers found that children with older brothers become more aggressive over time, while those with older sisters who are very aggressive also show increased aggression. The study suggests that both siblings and parents play a role in the development of aggression in adolescents.
A University of Oregon study found that close friendships involving deviant topics can predict future problem behavior. The research suggests that peers play a significant role in shaping outcomes, and that bonding over deviant values can exacerbate antisocial behavior.
Youth with shared deviant values in high-quality friendships spend more time discussing negative topics, leading to higher levels of problem behavior. Conversely, lower-quality relationships are associated with better behavioral outcomes.
A new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests that secondhand smoke exposure at home increases the risk of test failure in teens. Exposure to secondhand smoke decreased the odds of passing standardized achievement tests by 30 percent in 16- and 18-year-olds.
Gynecomastia, benign enlargement of male breast tissue, affects 40-50% of males at some point in their lives. The condition can be treated with medication or surgery, and awareness is key to correct diagnosis and reassurance for affected men.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh psychiatrist Eva Szigethy has been awarded a prestigious NIH grant to study the interactions between the brain, gut, and immune system in adolescents with chronic disease. Her research aims to improve early identification and treatment of depression in children with IBD.
The University of South Florida's global health initiative will expand its research training partnerships in India to fight AIDS among adolescents. The program, valued at $1.36 million, will partner with Vadodara Medical College to train Indian physicians and healthcare professionals.
A study found that carvedilol did not significantly improve heart failure outcomes in children and adolescents. The researchers evaluated the effects of carvedilol on 161 children and adolescents with heart failure and found no statistically significant difference between treatment groups.
A new study suggests that newer antidepressants are likely to reduce suicide risk in teens, contrary to earlier warnings. The researchers found a significant protective benefit from these medications, with only a small group of people being adversely affected.
A recent study found that only 10% of teens receive annual preventive exams, leading to inadequate vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends three HPV shots within six months, but many teens are not seeing their doctors often enough.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that family-based treatment, which involves parents, doubled the percentage of teens who abstained from binge eating and purging after six months. The study involved 80 adolescents with bulimia nervosa or partial bulimia nervosa.
A study found that a school-based obesity prevention program reduced disordered weight-control behaviors in middle-school girls by two-thirds, compared to those receiving regular health education. The 5-2-1-Go! program emphasized eating a balanced diet and reducing screen time.
A study of 6,522 US adolescents found that those exposed to more smoking in movies were more likely to become established smokers. The association remained significant after controlling for other factors, suggesting frequent exposure to smoking cues may lead to increased risk of smoking.