Articles tagged with Adolescents
A multi-site clinical trial found that citalopram, a popular adult anti-depressant, may help relieve suffering in children and adolescents with depression. The study showed significant improvement in mood among patients receiving the drug compared to those taking a placebo.
A new study aims to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination in treating major depression in teenagers. The study, administered by Northwestern University Medical School, will enroll participants between 12-17 years old with clinician-diagnosed depression.
A study by Professor Melissa DelBello found that quetiapine added to divalproex reduced psychotic symptoms in significantly more patients than divalproex alone. The quetiapine combination group also showed improved outcomes without treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms.
Research in South Africa found that over 80% of respondents had witnessed or been victims of stranger violence, with 70% experiencing violence at home. The study concluded that high levels of violence put children at risk of serious mental health problems.
A study found that ethnic differences affect the relationship between family environment and teen gang involvement, with black youth benefiting from more controlling parents and white/other youth increasing their involvement with gangs. Gang intervention programs should address both peer and parent relationships to be effective.
The study explores the sanctioned and unsanctioned use of stimulants among Canadian adolescents. It highlights concerns about parental and peer involvement in prescription stimulant use, as well as the risks associated with long-term use.
The study, conducted by Virginia Tech researchers, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. It found that regular soft drink consumption was not associated with dental cavities among adolescents, young adults, or older adults.
A third of U.S. adolescents suffer some form of dating violence, with most instances being psychological abuse. The study found that one in five adolescents reported only psychologic violence and about one in 10 reported physical violence.
A study found that negative emotionality is highly correlated with self-reported health problems in adolescents with alcohol use disorders. The study suggests that these health problems are predominantly of psychological origin, despite relatively normal laboratory and physical exam results.
A study of 100 middle-class Indian fathers found they are more socially connected to their families, engaging in lengthy discussions with their children on various topics. In contrast, American fathers tend to be less engaged and absorbed in their work lives.
A new study by Charles G. Go, Ph.D., and Paula Cupertino, Ph.D. found that adolescents who engage in delinquent behaviors are more likely to contemplate suicide. The study surveyed over 1,200 middle school students in Oakland, California, and found that those who contemplated suicide also reported the most delinquency.
A national survey of eighth graders found that religious involvement has the largest influence on their self-esteem, with positive effects observed in African American girls and White male students. The study suggests that churches and families play a significant role in shaping young adolescents' self-evaluations.
Experts analyze a study finding that religious involvement has the largest impact on early adolescent self-esteem. They caution against overlooking practical implications and highlight limitations of the study's explanations.
A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adult obesity is predicted by family social class and weight history. The research examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and social class across four generations. Early age at menarche was also linked to later obesity, while BMI at age 14 was a str...
Researchers found that an early AFD is associated with increased rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and educational underachievement. Early drinking is also linked to genetic risk for disinhibitory behaviors, suggesting it may be a symptom rather than a cause of alcoholism.
A recent study by Dr. Laura C. Klein found that adolescent nicotine exposure directly affects stress hormone levels in adults, leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the effects observed in human studies.
Researchers found that adolescents and young adults accounted for a relatively high proportion of all cases of meningococcal meningitis. The study revealed that infection in this age group led to death more often than expected due to higher rates of smoking, ecchymoses, and septic shock.
A new nationwide study found that children of divorced parents showed more academic, psychological and behavioral problems a year before the divorce. The study also revealed that family dysfunction existed long before the marriage ended, with parents who would later divorce showing lower well-being in their children.
Researchers found that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was more effective than imipramine or placebo in reducing depression symptoms and improving patient moods. The study involved 275 patients aged 12-18 with major depression.
A UK government road safety programme could actually increase the number of teenagers who die on roads in the UK. Driver education programmes in schools and colleges may lead to earlier licensing and more drivers on the road, increasing road deaths.
A large-scale study evaluated community-based treatment programs for adolescents, finding significant reductions in drug use and improved mental health outcomes. The study also identified the importance of minimum length of stay in treatment for optimal results.
A recent study found that adolescents who participated in community-based treatment programs significantly reduced drug use and criminal behavior, and improved academic performance. Longer stays in treatment were associated with better outcomes.
A new study, involving over 400 families from four European countries, has found no evidence of emotional problems among ART parents. The research also revealed that ART fathers have a warmer and less authoritarian relationship with their children.
A new study has found that children conceived through assisted reproduction have stable and satisfying marriages, psychologically healthy parents, and well-adjusted children. The research also suggests that the absence of a genetic link between fathers and children does not interfere with developing positive relationships.
A study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that long-term contraceptives, such as Norplant, reduced second pregnancy rates among teens. Among the participants who chose these methods, only 11% became pregnant within a year, compared to 25% of those using oral contraceptives and 38% of those not using birth control.
A short, confidential questionnaire can detect adolescent experimental smoking and identify those at high risk of nicotine addiction. The survey correctly identified 92% of smokers and found that smoking frequency increases with grade level, social influences play a role in initiation.
A study of over 90,000 US adolescents found that those who took public virginity pledges delayed having sex by an average of 18 months compared to non-pledgers. The pledge's effectiveness depends on the social environment and age group of the teens, with younger students in open schools experiencing a significant delay.
Children rated cartoon cigarette warnings significantly more believable than plain text, regardless of the message. Cartoon tobacco warning labels may be an effective way to reach children and adolescents, who are at increased risk of becoming regular smokers.
A new study by researchers at Wake Forest University found a strong association between exposure to violence and the use of violence by young adolescents. The study, which included 722 Georgia middle school students living in or around public housing, found that even if children are exposed to other risk factors, social learning from e...
Teenagers who smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day are at greater risk of developing agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in young adulthood. However, the study found no significant association between teenagers with anxiety disorders and chronic smoking as young adults.
A study has identified four factors that contribute to decreased school connectedness, including declining health status, cigarette use, and lack of extracurricular involvement. School nurses may play a key role in identifying disconnected youth, who are at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a strong link between teenage smoking and depressive symptoms, with non-depressed teens who smoke facing a four times greater risk. Social factors such as peer tobacco use, poor school performance, and parental report of bad temper also predict progression to heavy smoking.
Researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 smokers and found that teenagers, women, and whites experience higher rates of nicotine dependency symptoms. The study suggests that these differences in sensitivity to nicotine may reflect varying thresholds for determining nicotine dependence among different groups.
A new study found that nearly 80% of depressed teenagers do not receive necessary psychiatric medical treatment, which can lead to a repeat bout of major depression and involvement in substance abuse by early adulthood. Especially at risk are depressed teenage girls who clash with parents or have a family history of recurrent depression.
Research found that parent's marital status affects African American adolescent boys' self-esteem, with married parents having a positive impact. The study also revealed differences in how males and females respond to their family environments, highlighting the importance of public policy changes to support families.
Adolescents raised on a strict macrobiotic diet during infancy and early childhood show signs of impaired cognitive function, including lower intelligence and spatial ability scores. A study found an association between vitamin B12 status and cognitive abilities, highlighting the potential risks of avoiding animal products.
A study of over 9,000 youngsters found that children and adolescents who threaten violence are significantly more likely to behave violently than those who do not make threats. Students who frequently threaten others are at particularly high risk for violence.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge-pattern exposure to alcohol during adolescence can disrupt working memory and make the brain more vulnerable to cell death. The study suggests that teenagers who drink heavily and often may be especially susceptible to the neurobehavioral effects ...
A randomized controlled study found a modest but significant reduction in asthma risk at 12 months in high-risk infants through a multifaceted intervention program. The program included avoidance of house dust mites, pet allergens, and tobacco smoke, as well as breastfeeding promotion and partially hydrolyzed formula supplementation.
Research suggests that different categories of adolescent smokers, such as persistent, experimenter, or intermittent smokers, have distinct characteristics and challenges. These differences can inform the development of targeted smoking prevention and treatment programs.
Longitudinal studies show that psychological health increases steadily after age 30, regardless of initial teenage health. Participants who started with fewer signs of psychological health in adolescence still showed improvement in adulthood.
Research suggests that middle and high school students with restrictive home smoking policies are less likely to start smoking. The study also found that parental influences can play a significant role in preventing adolescent smoking, alongside other parenting practices such as discussion, punishment, and rules against smoking.
A survey of over 15,000 adolescent patients found that smoking was associated with higher rates of substance abuse, poor physical activity, and academic struggles. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to promote healthy lifestyle messages to adolescents, who tend to visit them more frequently than other healthcare providers.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that US adolescents are physically inactive due to limited access to school physical education programs and community recreation centers. High-crime neighborhoods also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and poor health.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that adult memories of childhood events and relationships are no more accurate than chance, contradicting the idea that memory is a continuous tape. The study's findings have important implications for psychiatrists and mental health professionals who rely on patient reports.
Canadian physicians consider whether adolescents should be allowed to make health care decisions, citing the concept of proportionality and competency. Most adolescents are deemed capable of making competent health care decisions, warranting respect for their autonomy.
A study of rural teenagers found lower asthma rates among farm-raised teens, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infancy strongly correlates with later development of asthma and other breathing issues. Asthma experts emphasize the need for tailored management strategies addressing different stages of the disease.
The study suggests that teenagers' recommendations can inform effective school-based obesity prevention programs, prioritizing fun and interactive activities over weight control. Schools can also create support groups specifically for overweight youth, leveraging their resources to provide low-cost programs.
A study of 294 adolescents found that having an adult mentor significantly reduces the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as carrying a weapon, using illicit drugs, and smoking. Mentorship appears to be an effective strategy in reducing certain risk behaviors and their consequences.
Researchers discovered a robust immune response in adolescents infected with HIV, suggesting they may benefit from aggressive early treatment. The study found higher levels of CD8 naïve T lymphocytes, which could mount an effective immune response against the virus.
A recent study found that attending religious services is associated with lower likelihoods of voluntary sexual activity in adolescents. Spiritual interconnectedness and importance of religion also play a role in delaying sexual activity.
A new study found that adolescents from different ethnic groups share similar levels of illegal drug use with their friends. The study suggests that historical and cultural circumstances may influence the selection of friends, but not to an extent that identical friends are avoided.
Research found that frequent family dinners lead to better diet quality in adolescents, including more fruits and veggies, and fewer unhealthy foods. Health professionals can support this trend by encouraging family meals as a way to improve the dietary habits of older children and adolescents.
A new test using a urine sample and written survey can help doctors identify adolescents who smoke cigarettes, allowing for early intervention. The test also identifies 'experimenters' - young people who smoke occasionally but haven't committed to the habit full-time.
Researchers found that intelligent adolescents tend to postpone any kind of lesser sexual activity, as well as first sex, compared to their less intelligent peers. The association between intelligence and refraining from sexual intercourse was stronger for girls than boys, and age-dependent.
Researchers analyzed 15,414 student and faculty yearbook photos to pinpoint the age when girls begin smiling more often than boys. The study found that girls start smiling significantly more than boys as early as the fourth grade, with a widening gender gap by high school.
Researchers explore methods to prevent nicotine dependence and mitigate its effects, particularly among adolescents. Studies suggest a vaccine may help prevent tobacco addiction, while depression and delinquency are linked to the progression of tobacco dependence in young people.
A recent study found that heavy drinking during adolescence can cause significant damage to thinking abilities, particularly information recall. The researchers also discovered a link between withdrawal experiences and poorer neuropsychological functioning in adolescents.
Researchers found that adolescent alcohol dependence was associated with impaired memory function, particularly in verbal and nonverbal retention. Heavy drinking over time also linked to poor visuospatial functioning and retrieval of verbal and nonverbal information.
A new report by WHO found that US 15-year-olds are less likely to watch television, smoke, or engage in regular physical activity. In contrast, 11-year-old US students began smoking at rates comparable to other countries.