An Internet program helps to reduce depressive symptoms and prevent episodes of clinical depression in adolescent patients at risk, reports a study in the February issue of the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry. [continue reading…]
Adolescent Health
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Teenagers who smoke could be setting themselves up for depression later in life, according to a groundbreaking new Florida State University study.
Psychology Professor Carlos A. Bolaños and a team of researchers found that nicotine given to adolescent rats induced a depression-like state characterized by a lack of pleasure and heightened sensitivity to stress in their adult lives. The findings, published online in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, suggest that the same may be true for humans.
“This study is unique because it is the first one to show that nicotine exposure early in life can have long-term neurobiological consequences evidenced in mood disorders,” Bolaños said. “In addition, the study indicates that even brief exposure to nicotine increases risk for mood disorders later in life.” [continue reading…]
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Excessive discussion of problems between adolescent friends may lead to depression and anxiety, according to research published in the February issue of the Journal of Adolescence. In their article, “Clarifying co-rumination: Associations with internalizing symptoms and romantic involvement among adolescent girls,” Lisa R. Starr, M.A., doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Stony Brook University and Dr. Joanne Davila, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University show that excessive discussion of problems within friendships, including repeated conversations, conjecture about causes, and heightened focus on negative emotions, is associated with depressive symptoms among early adolescent girls, especially those who have had romantic experiences. [continue reading…]
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“Tests currently given to players who suffer concussions on the football field show that the measurable effects disappear 10 to 12 days after they receive a blow to the head,” explains Louis De Beaumont, who is currently writing a doctoral thesis on the topic. “However, our research has shown that sequelae can be observed up to nine months later. We’re afraid that blows to the brain could even have lasting effects.” [continue reading…]
