All articles tagged with #adolescents
A review of nine observational studies (ages 10–19) finds teens who consume more sugary drinks have about 34% higher odds of an anxiety disorder, but causation can’t be established and reverse factors may play a role; reducing sugary intake could support adolescent mental health.
A large U.S. study of 463,396 adolescents aged 13–17 found that past-year cannabis use is associated with about twice the risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders by age 26, and higher risks of depression and anxiety, based on universal pediatric screening and electronic health records from 2016–2023. With cannabis potency rising, public health experts call for reducing potency and limiting youth marketing, and stress the need for accurate, evidence-based information for families.
A Bournemouth University–led systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies finds that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a 34% increased risk of anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Seven of nine studies showed a significant link. While causation isn’t proven, experts suggest blood sugar spikes and crashes from sugary drinks may affect mood, and reducing intake or choosing alternatives like sparkling water, herbal tea, or unsweetened milk could help.
A neuroimaging study of drug-naïve adolescent girls with borderline personality disorder found reduced activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other regions during self-reflection compared with healthy controls, suggesting diminished cognitive control over identity processing; results hint that some social-cognition networks may be preserved, but generalizability is limited by the small, female-only sample and study design, underscoring the need for replication and longitudinal work.
New research shows that social anxiety in some adolescents can manifest as aggression and impulsivity rather than withdrawal. In a study of 298 teens, latent profile analysis revealed three groups: a well-adjusted majority, a prototypical high-anxiety group with vulnerable narcissism, and an atypical aggressive-impulsive group with high vulnerable and grandiose narcissism (more common in boys). The findings emphasize heterogeneity in social anxiety and suggest the need for longitudinal studies and tailored interventions beyond the usual shy-withdrawal model.
The piece explains that intrusive thoughts—unwanted, distressing mental images or ideas—are common, but for some people they can become obsessive and lead to compulsions characteristic of OCD, which often begins in puberty. It notes potential genetic and early-life stress links, underscores that most people can dismiss these thoughts, and offers coping tips like labeling thoughts, visualizing OCD as separate, maintaining self-care, and seeking professional help when thoughts become persistent or disabling.
The article explores how spirituality and faith can physically reshape the brain, offering resilience against depression in adolescents and young adults, and emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ for lasting healing and purpose.
New research suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in social anxiety disorder, with transplant experiments in rats showing that bacteria from adolescents with social anxiety induce anxiety-like behaviors and brain changes, highlighting a potential biological link via the gut-brain axis.
A study published in JAMA finds that preteens who use social media more extensively tend to score lower on reading, vocabulary, and memory tests, with even small amounts of use linked to slight cognitive declines, raising concerns about the impact of social media on adolescent brain development and learning.
A study shows that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in adolescent rats reduces cocaine preference and increases ΔFosB levels in the brain, suggesting exercise intensity influences addiction pathways and could be used as a personalized prevention tool.
Long COVID affects about 36% of people globally, with higher risks for unvaccinated individuals, females, and pre-Omicron infections. In teens, 41% of those who tested positive reported symptoms lasting over four weeks, but most symptoms resolved within three months, indicating a lower prevalence and shorter duration in adolescents.
A study shows that certain flavored e-cigarette vapors, like vanilla and cherry, can activate reward centers in adolescent mice even without nicotine, raising concerns about their potential to promote addiction-like behaviors among teens.
Amid a worsening youth mental health crisis, companies are developing AI chatbots to provide accessible mental health support for children and adolescents, addressing the shortage of traditional therapy options and long wait times.
A study presented at SLEEP 2025 found that adolescents who identify as night owls tend to be more impulsive, especially under stress, compared to morning larks, with psychological factors possibly playing a larger role than biological circadian timing. The research suggests that targeting sleep habits could help reduce impulsivity-related risks during adolescence.
A Finnish study found that higher physical activity and lower screen time from childhood to adolescence are linked to reduced stress and depression at age 15, with screen time, especially mobile device use, showing a stronger association with poorer mental health outcomes than physical activity.