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The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction (brochure)

January 2, 2012 Comments off

The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction (PDF)
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

One of the ways that scientists have searched for the causes of mental illness is by studying the development of the brain from birth to adulthood. Powerful new technologies have enabled them to track the growth of the brain and to investigate the connections between brain function, development, and behavior.

The research has turned up some surprises, among them the discovery of striking changes taking place during the teen years. These findings have altered long-held assumptions about the timing of brain maturation. In key ways, the brain doesn’t look like that of an adult until the early 20s.

An understanding of how the brain of an adolescent is changing may help explain a puzzling contradiction of adolescence: young people at this age are close to a lifelong peak of physical health, strength, and mental capacity, and yet, for some, this can be a hazardous age. Mortality rates jump between early and late adolescence. Rates of death by injury between ages 15 to 19 are about six times that of the rate between ages 10 and 14. Crime rates are highest among young males and rates of alcohol abuse are high relative to other ages. Even though most adolescents come through this transitional age well, it’s important to understand the risk factors for behavior that can have serious consequences. Genes, childhood experience, and the environment in which a young person reaches adolescence all shape behavior. Adding to this complex picture, research is revealing how all these factors act in the context of a brain that is changing, with its own impact on behavior.

Categories: adolescents, mental health and substance abuse, National Institute of Mental Health

A Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder

October 28, 2011 Comments off

A Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

This guide is intended to help parents understand what autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is, recognize common signs and symptoms, and find the resources they need. It’s important to remember that help is available.

Categories: autism spectrum disorders, National Institute of Mental Health

Eating Disorders

September 18, 2011 Comments off

Eating Disorders
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

A detailed booklet that describes the symptoms, causes, and treatments of eating disorders.

Categories: hunger and malnutrition, mental health and substance abuse, National Institute of Mental Health

The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction

August 3, 2011 Comments off

The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

This brochure describes changes in the brain that occur during the teen years, and the significance of this stage of development.

Categories: adolescents, National Institute of Mental Health, psychology and sociology

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

April 4, 2011 Comments off

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention

Categories: mental health and substance abuse, National Institute of Mental Health
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