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Translational Psychiatry Oct 2023Substance use in adolescence is a known risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood. This is in part due to the fact... (Review)
Review
Substance use in adolescence is a known risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood. This is in part due to the fact that critical aspects of brain development occur during adolescence, which can be altered by drug use. Despite concerted efforts to educate youth about the potential negative consequences of substance use, initiation remains common amongst adolescents world-wide. Additionally, though there has been substantial research on the topic, many questions remain about the predictors and the consequences of adolescent drug use. In the following review, we will highlight some of the most recent literature on the neurobiological and behavioral effects of adolescent drug use in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, with a specific focus on alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and the interactions between these substances. Overall, consumption of these substances during adolescence can produce long-lasting changes across a variety of structures and networks which can have enduring effects on behavior, emotion, and cognition.
Topics: Animals; Adolescent; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders; Ethanol; Cognition; Cannabis; Nicotine; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 37802983
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02590-4 -
The American Journal of Pathology Dec 2023The gut microbiota was initially thought to develop into a stable, adult-like profile during early postnatal life. The formation of the gut microbiota during early life... (Review)
Review
The gut microbiota was initially thought to develop into a stable, adult-like profile during early postnatal life. The formation of the gut microbiota during early life has been shown to contribute to healthy growth and has lifelong implications for host health. Adolescence, the developmental period between childhood and adulthood, is a critical window for healthy growth and maturation. The composition of the gut microbiota in adolescents is distinct from that of children and adults, which supports the premise that the gut microbiota continues to develop during adolescence toward an adult-like profile. Research has begun to shift its focus from understanding the gut microbiome at the extremes of the life span to evaluating the importance of the gut microbiome during adolescence and its role in healthy development. This article provides an overview of adolescent development, host-microbiota interactions, and experimental models used to discern effects of gut microbiota on health and disease. Herein, the role of the gut microbiota is reviewed as it relates to adolescent: i) brain development, cognition, and behavior; ii) metabolism and adiposity; and iii) skeletal growth and bone mass accrual. Future directions are addressed, including omics investigations defining mechanisms through which the gut microbiota influences adolescent development. Furthermore, we discuss advancing noninvasive interventions targeting the adolescent gut microbiota that could be employed to support healthy growth and maturation.
Topics: Child; Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Microbiota; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Cognition; Longevity; Obesity
PubMed: 37673331
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.07.004 -
Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters 2024Studies show that gender socialisation shapes differently the gendered identity, self-esteem, and sexual behaviours of girls and boys. While pre-adolescence is viewed as...
Studies show that gender socialisation shapes differently the gendered identity, self-esteem, and sexual behaviours of girls and boys. While pre-adolescence is viewed as a pivotal period for gendered socialisation, few studies in francophone Africa investigate the role of gender identity effects on aspirations and sexual and reproductive behaviours at this life stage. This article explores how the internalisation of gender stereotypes during socialisation is linked to the aspirations of girls and boys for certain life events, such as having their first child or getting married. A survey was conducted in 10 primary schools in Ouagadougou, among pupils aged between 9 and 16 years, as well as seven focus group discussions with their parents. The findings indicate a gender-based variation in the effects of adherence to unequal gender norms among young adolescents. As a result, girls tend to have earlier aspirations towards marriage and later aspirations for childbearing, while boys show earlier aspirations for childbearing and later ones for marriage. These effects may expose both girls and boys to risks of poor sexual and reproductive health. Interventions promoting egalitarian gender norms could boost girls' self-esteem as well as mutual respect among young adolescents of both genders, aiming to improve their sexual and reproductive health during adolescence and into adulthood.
Topics: Child; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Male; Socialization; Gender Identity; Sexual Behavior; Africa; Focus Groups
PubMed: 38294681
DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2294824 -
Praxis Der Kinderpsychologie Und... Feb 2024The Importance of Leisure Activities for Suicidality in Adolescents and Young Adults Leisure time is important for the development of adolescents. It influences...
The Importance of Leisure Activities for Suicidality in Adolescents and Young Adults Leisure time is important for the development of adolescents. It influences adolescents' psychological well-being and psychosocial development. It may also have a protective effect on suicidality. This study investigates how adolescents' leisure time is related to suicidality, distinguishing between general aspects and various specific leisure time activities. Data from adolescents in counseling (n = 25) and the general population (n = 57) were analyzed. Adolescents who spend most of their leisure time alone are more suicidal than adolescents who spend their leisure time with others. General aspects of leisure activities were related to suicidality; among specific activities, only sports activities were found to be significant.The strongest association with suicidality was shared activities with others. Based on these results, it can be shown that leisure time activities could be effective as a preventive measure. In particular, social activities in leisure time should be encouraged.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Leisure Activities; Adolescent Behavior
PubMed: 38569147
DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2024.73.2.130 -
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America Mar 2024Adequate sleep is essential for healthy development in childhood and adolescence. Healthy sleep contributes to good physical health, immune function, mental health, and... (Review)
Review
Adequate sleep is essential for healthy development in childhood and adolescence. Healthy sleep contributes to good physical health, immune function, mental health, and academic performance. The regulation and architecture of sleep change greatly across childhood and adolescence, and the ability to obtain sufficient sleep is impacted by a range of factors that change with maturation. This article describes normal sleep across childhood and adolescence and discusses some of the most common barriers to adequate sleep, including early school start times, technology use, and changes to circadian rhythms, and sleep homeostasis across puberty.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Humans; Sleep; Circadian Rhythm; Schools
PubMed: 38302199
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.06.001 -
Journal of Research on Adolescence :... Dec 2023Of the estimated 35.3 million refugees around the world (UNHCR, Figures at a Glance, 2022), approximately 50% are children under the age of 18. Refugee adolescents... (Review)
Review
Of the estimated 35.3 million refugees around the world (UNHCR, Figures at a Glance, 2022), approximately 50% are children under the age of 18. Refugee adolescents represent a unique group as they navigate developmental tasks in an unstable and often threatening environment or in resettlement contexts in which they often face marginalization. In addition to physiological, social, and psychological changes that mark adolescence, refugee youth often face traumatic experiences, acculturative stress, discrimination, and a lack of basic resources. In this consensus statement, we examine research on refugee adolescents' developmental tasks, acculturative tasks, and psychological adjustment using Suárez-Orozco and colleague's integrative risk and resilience model for immigrant-origin children and youth proposed by Suárez-Orozco et al. Finally, we discuss recommendations-moving from proximal to more distal contexts.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Refugees; Emotional Adjustment; Emigrants and Immigrants; Acculturation; Adolescent Development
PubMed: 37807940
DOI: 10.1111/jora.12890 -
Australian Journal of General Practice Jun 2024Adolescence is a stage of significant transition as children develop into young adults. Optimal sleep is crucial during this period to ensure physical, emotional and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adolescence is a stage of significant transition as children develop into young adults. Optimal sleep is crucial during this period to ensure physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. However, it is well recognised that insufficient quality and quantity of sleep is common among adolescents worldwide.
OBJECTIVE
This article aims to provide general practitioners with an overview of the key issues encountered in adolescent patients relating to sleep and summarises approaches to assessment and evidence-based management of sleep problems in this population.
DISCUSSION
This review highlights the physiological changes that affect sleep during adolescence and how other factors, including unhealthy sleep behaviours, influence these. It discusses the importance of healthy sleep and the consequences of sleep disturbance in adolescents. Management strategies are outlined, focusing on the key common issues that affect sleep in the teenage years, and guidance on when to consider co-management with specialist care is provided.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 38840376
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-05-23-6841 -
Current Opinion in Psychiatry Nov 2023Bullying is a common adversity affecting many children and adolescents. It has been shown to negatively impact the psychological well being not only of targets of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Bullying is a common adversity affecting many children and adolescents. It has been shown to negatively impact the psychological well being not only of targets of bullying, but also that of bullying perpetrators and those witnessing bullying. Bullying is linked to depression and poorer mental health and functioning among children and adolescents. Given the high prevalence of bullying among children and adolescents and the negative mental health sequelae of bullying, this is an area of urgent public health concern. This narrative review brings forth recent research findings in this arena, which could help shape public health policies for addressing and preventing bullying.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent findings demonstrate an association of bullying among children and adolescents with depression, nonsuicidal self-injury, sleep loss, reduced health-related quality of life, poorer rates of graduation from high school and later mental health problems. A recent systematic review also showed an association of peer-victimization among children and adolescents with activation of amygdala, left parahippocampal gyrus and fusiform gyrus, and alterations in other brain areas.
SUMMARY
Evidence indicates that bullying in childhood and adolescence is associated with higher odds of developing mental health problems; therefore, early identification and timely intervention is crucial.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Quality of Life; Bullying; Mental Health; Brain; Peer Group
PubMed: 37781982
DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000900 -
BMC Public Health Feb 2024Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic and progressive disease that, if diagnosed late, can lead to infertility and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Dysmenorrhea is the...
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic and progressive disease that, if diagnosed late, can lead to infertility and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Dysmenorrhea is the most prominent symptom of EMs. However, limited research exists on the specific correlation between dysmenorrhea patterns and EMs. Early prevention of EMs is essential to effectively manage the progression of the disease, and is best detected during adolescence. Our objective was to associate the development of EMs with dysmenorrhea patterns during adolescence and quantify the risk of adult EMs for adolescent girls, with the aim of supporting primary intervention strategy planning.
METHODS
This case-control study examined predictors for adult EMs based on dysmenorrhea patterns in adolescents. We collected 1,287 cases of 641 EMs and 646 healthy females regarding their basic demographic information, adolescent menstrual characteristics, adolescent dysmenorrheal patterns, and adolescent lifestyles. Age-matching (1-to-1) was employed to control for the confounding effect of age between the groups. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and logistic regression models were utilized to identify predictors for adult EMs. The predictive value of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the C-index, while Hosmer-Lemeshow Test assessed the goodness of fit of the model. Data from one additional cohort in Shenzhen hospitalized with EMs were used to external validation were analyzed.
RESULTS
Individuals who always experienced dysmenorrhea had a risk of adult endometriosis 18.874 (OR = 18.874; 95%CI = 10.309-34.555) times higher than those occasional dysmenorrhea, The risk of developing EMs was 5.257 times higher in those who experienced dysmenorrhea more than 12 months after menarche than in those who experienced dysmenorrhea less than 6 months after menarche (OR = 5.257, 95% CI = 3.343-8.266), AUC in the external validation cohort was 0.794(95%CI: 0.741-0.847). We further found that high-intensity physical activity and sun-sensitive skin of burning were influential factors in high-frequency dysmenorrhea. The AUC value for the internal evaluation of the model was 0.812 and the AUC value for the external validation was 0.794.
CONCLUSION
Our findings revealed that the frequency of dysmenorrhea during adolescence contributed to the development of adult endometriosis. The frequency and onset of dysmenorrhea in adolescence were promising predictors for adult EMs. Both internal and external validation proved the model's good predictive ability.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
http://www.chictr.org.cn/ , TRN: ChicTR2200060429, date of registration: 2022/06/01, retrospectively registered.
Topics: Adult; Female; Adolescent; Humans; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Case-Control Studies; Menstruation; Menarche
PubMed: 38317119
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17825-2 -
Current Opinion in Psychology Aug 2023Longitudinal studies across the globe documented significant increases in psychological stress and mental health problems among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.... (Review)
Review
Longitudinal studies across the globe documented significant increases in psychological stress and mental health problems among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health concerns, school disruptions, and social disconnection were major sources of stress. High levels of perceived stress predicted worse mental health outcomes, with girls, older adolescents, and socio-economically marginalized youth experiencing more pronounced mental health deteriorations. However, social support from family and peers was a protective factor against increased stress and accompanying mental health problems. We urge policymakers and other key decision-makers to improve the availability and financing of mental health services and support programs for adolescents to address the wave of mental health challenges following the pandemic.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; COVID-19; Pandemics; Mental Health; Stress, Psychological; Longitudinal Studies
PubMed: 37473661
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101646