Adolescent Brain Research Articles

Adolescent resilience in the face of COVID-19 stressors: the role of trauma and protective factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique stressors that posed significant threats to adolescent mental health. However, limited research has examined the impact of trauma exposure on vulnerability to subsequent stressor-related mental health outcomes in adolescents. Furthermore, it is unclear whether there are protective factors that promote resilience against the negative impacts of COVID-19 stressors in adolescents with prior trauma exposure. This preregistered study aimed to investigate the impact of trauma on COVID-19 stressor-related mental health difficulties in adolescents, in addition to the role of protective factors. Aims were investigated in a sample of 9696 adolescents (mean age 12.85 ± 0.88 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine (a) the associations of early trauma exposure (exposed v. non-exposed), COVID-19 stressors, and perceived stress, sadness, and positive affect levels during the pandemic period in the US, and (b) the role of protective factors (physical activity, parental support, and improvements in family and peer relationships) in these associations. There was a positive association between COVID-19 stressors and sadness, which was enhanced in trauma-exposed adolescents. Improvements in family and peer relationships mitigated the association between COVID-19 stressors and poor mental health outcomes, regardless of prior traumatic experience. These findings support the hypothesis that prior trauma elevates risk of mental health difficulties in the face of future stressors. Results underscore the protective role of enhanced social relationships as targets for early prevention and intervention in those experiencing acute stressors, regardless of prior traumatic experiences.

Prospective associations between Sleep, Sensation-Seeking and Mature Screen Usage in Early Adolescents: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

Early exposure to mature content is linked to high-risk behaviors. This study aims to prospectively investigate how sleep and sensation-seeking behaviors influence the consumption of mature video games and R-rated movies in early adolescents. A secondary analysis examines the bidirectional relationships between sleep patterns and mature screen usage. Data were obtained from a subsample of 3,687 early adolescents (49.2% female; mean age: 11.96 years) participating in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. At Year 2 follow-up, participants wore Fitbit wearables for up to 21 nights to assess objective sleep measures and completed a scale about sensation-seeking traits. At Year 3 follow-up, they answered questions about mature screen usage. Of the sample, 41.8% of the sample reported playing mature-rated video games and 49% reported watching R-rated movies. Sensation-seeking traits were associated with R-rated movie watching one year later. Shorter sleep duration, later bedtime, more bedtime variability, and more social jetlag (discrepancy between the mid-sleep on weekdays and weekends) were associated with mature-rated video gaming and R-rated movie watching one year later. Sleep duration variability was associated with mature-rated video gaming. There was also an interaction effect: those with higher sensation-seeking scores and shorter sleep duration reported more frequent R-rated movie usage than those with longer sleep duration. Secondary analyses showed bidirectional associations between later bedtimes, more variability in bedtimes, and more social jetlag with mature screen usage. Early adolescents with sensation-seeking traits and poorer sleep health were more likely to engage in mature screen usage.

Amygdala Subregion Volumes and Apportionment in Preadolescents - Associations with Age, Sex, and Body Mass Index.

The amygdala, a key limbic structure, plays a critical role in emotional, social, and appetitive behaviors that develop throughout adolescence. Composed of a heterogeneous group of nuclei, questions remain about potential differences in the maturation of its subregions during development. To characterize the associations between developmental variables and amygdala subregion volumes during preadolescence. Cross-sectional Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development SM (ABCD®) Study data was collected from 3,953 9- and 10-year-old children between September 1, 2016, and October 15, 2018. Data analysis was conducted between June 1, 2023, and July 30, 2024. Using the CIT168 Amygdala Atlas , nine amygdala subregion volumes were quantified from high-quality MRI scans. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of age, sex, pubertal stage, and body mass index z-score (BMIz) on subregion volumes and their relative apportionment within the amygdala. The study population consisted of 3,953 preadolescents (mean [SD] age, 120 [7.41] months; 1,763 [44.6%] female; 57 [1.4%] Asian, 527 [13.3%] Black, 740 [18.7%] Hispanic, 2,279 [57.7%] white, and 350 [8.9%] from other racial/ethnic groups [identified by parents as American Indian/Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan, other Pacific Islander, or other race]). Distinct associations were observed between age, sex, and BMIz and whole amygdala volume, subregion volumes, and subregion apportionment. Pubertal stage was not related to amygdala subregion volumes. Age was associated with near-global expansion of amygdala subregions during this developmental period. Female sex was linked to smaller volumes in most amygdala subregions, with larger relative apportionment in dorsal amygdala subregions and smaller apportionment in the basolateral ventral paralaminar subregion. Higher BMIz was associated with smaller volumes in large laterobasal subregions, with increased relative apportionment in smaller subregions. This cross-sectional study suggests that age, but not pubertal stage, is associated with near-global expansion of the amygdala at ages 9 and 10, while sex and BMIz are linked to distinct changes in amygdala subregions that explain observed differences in total volumes. These findings provide a foundational context for understanding how developmental variables influence amygdala structure in preadolescents, with implications for understanding future risk for brain disorders.

Distinct functional connectivity phenotypes in preadolescent children with binge eating disorder by BMI status.

The neurobiological mechanisms underpinning binge eating disorder (BED) in children remain largely unclear, as the alterations that have been identified to date may be attributable to BED, obesity, or compound effects. This study aimed to delineate functional connectivity (FC) patterns in inhibitory control and reward networks in preadolescent children with and without BED from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study according to BMI. Resting-state FC was examined in the inhibitory control network by using seeds in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex, whereas the reward network included seeds in the orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. Seed-to-voxel analyses characterized FC differences between preadolescent children with BED with a high BMI and those with BED with a low BMI. We identified that BED was characterized by reduced connectivity between the reward network and regions in the default mode network, irrespective of weight status. Participants with BED also presented with hypoconnectivity in fronto-amygdalar circuits, which has been consistently associated with impaired emotion regulation capacity. Our findings support that FC alterations between the reward network and the default mode network may be specifically impacted by the presence of BED as opposed to weight status.

Longitudinal panel networks of risk and protective factors for early adolescent suicidality in the ABCD sample.

Rates of youth suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are rising, and younger age at onset increases vulnerability to negative outcomes. However, few studies have investigated STBs in early adolescence (ages 10-13), and accurate prediction of youth STBs remains poor. Network analyses that can examine pairwise associations between many theoretically relevant variables may identify complex pathways of risk for early adolescent STBs. The present study applied longitudinal network analysis to examine interrelations between STBs and several previously identified risk and protective factors. Data came from 9,854 youth in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study cohort (Mage = 9.90 ± .62 years, 63% white, 53% female at baseline). Youth and their caregivers completed an annual measurement battery between ages 9-10 through 11-12 years. Panel Graphical Vector Autoregressive models evaluated associations between STBs and several mental health symptoms, socioenvironmental factors, life stressors, and substance use. In the contemporaneous and between-subjects networks, direct associations were observed between STBs and internalizing symptoms, substance use, family conflict, lower parental monitoring, and lower school protective factors. Potential indirect pathways of risk for STBs were also observed. Age-specific interventions may benefit from prioritizing internalizing symptoms and early substance use, as well as promoting positive school and family support.

Disordered Eating in Early Adolescence: Disparities Among Minoritised Youth.

Disordered eating in early adolescence impacts development, with long-term health implications. Minoritised adolescents might be at higher risk of disordered eating due to minority stress, but most research has focused on White, heterosexual, cisgender individuals; less is known about disordered eating among minoritised adolescents. We examined sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic identities in relation to disordered eating in early adolescence. Using 2-year follow-up data from adolescents ages 10-14 in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 9385), we examined associations between sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic identities and past-2 week disordered eating (preoccupation with weight, weight control behaviors, and binge eating). Compared to heterosexual peers, gay/bisexual adolescents had higher odds of all three outcomes (AOR 1.90-3.32); those "questioning" their sexual identity had higher odds of preoccupation with weight (AOR 1.82) and binge eating (AOR 2.53). Compared to cisgender adolescents, transgender adolescents had higher odds of binge eating (AOR 2.62); those "questioning" their gender identity had higher odds of preoccupation with weight (AOR 2.45). Adolescents whose racial identity was categorised as "Another" had higher odds of preoccupation with weight (AOR 1.46) and weight control behaviors (AOR 1.58) compared to White adolescents. Finally, Hispanic adolescents had higher odds of all disordered eating outcomes than non-Hispanic adolescents (AOR 1.25-1.59). This study is among the first to reveal disparities in disordered eating among minoritised early adolescents. Further examination of these disparities can inform future interventions. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for disordered eating, recognising that minoritised early adolescents may be at risk.

Risk and resilience profiles and their transition pathways in the ABCD Study.

The transition from childhood to adolescence presents elevated risks for the onset of psychopathology in youth. Given the multilayered nature of development, the present study leverages the longitudinal, population-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study to derive ecologically informed risk/resilience profiles based on multilevel influences (e.g., neighborhood and family socioeconomic resources, parenting, school characteristics) and their transition pathways and examine their associations with psychopathology. Latent profile analysis characterized risk/resilience profiles at each time point (i.e., baseline, Year-1, Year-2); latent transition analysis estimated the most likely transition pathway for each individual. Analysis of covariance was used to examine associations between profile membership at baseline (i.e., ages 9-11) and psychopathology, both concurrently and at Year-2 follow-up. Further, we examined the associations between profile transition pathways and Year-2 psychopathology. Four distinct profiles emerged across time - High-SES High-Protective, High-SES Low-Protective, Low-SES High-Family-Risk, and Low-SES High-Protective. Despite reasonably high stability, significant transition over time among profiles was detected. Profile membership at baseline significantly correlated with concurrent psychopathology and predicted psychopathology 2 years later. Additionally, profile transition pathways significantly predicted Year-2 psychopathology, exemplifying equifinality and multifinality. Characterizing and tracing shifts in ecologically informed risk/resilience influences, our findings have the potential to inform more precise intervention efforts in youth.

Investigating cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between brain structure and distinct dimensions of externalizing psychopathology in the ABCD sample.

Externalizing psychopathology in childhood is a predictor of poor outcomes across the lifespan. Children exhibiting elevated externalizing symptoms also commonly show emotion dysregulation and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Examining cross-sectional and longitudinal neural correlates across dimensions linked to externalizing psychopathology during childhood may clarify shared or distinct neurobiological vulnerability for psychopathological impairment later in life. We used tabulated brain structure and behavioural data from baseline, year 1, and year 2 timepoints of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD; baseline n = 10,534). We fit separate linear mixed effect models to examine whether baseline brain structures in frontolimbic and striatal regions (cortical thickness or subcortical volume) were associated with externalizing symptoms, emotion dysregulation, and/or CU traits at baseline and over a two-year period. The most robust relationships found at the cross-sectional level was between cortical thickness in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus and bilateral pars orbitalis was positively associated with CU traits (β = |0.027-0.033|, pcorrected = 0.009-0.03). Over the two-year follow-up period, higher baseline cortical thickness in the left pars triangularis and rostral middle frontal gyrus predicted greater decreases in externalizing symptoms ((F = 6.33-6.94, pcorrected = 0.014). The results of the current study suggest that unique regions within frontolimbic and striatal networks may be more strongly associated with different dimensions of externalizing psychopathology. The longitudinal findings indicate that brain structure in early childhood may provide insight into structural features that influence behaviour over time.

Screen time and mental health: a prospective analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

BackgroundDespite the ubiquity of adolescent screen use, there are limited longitudinal studies that examine the prospective relationships between screen time and child behavioral problems in a large, diverse nationwide sample of adolescents in the United States, which was the objective of the current study.MethodsWe analyzed cohort data of 9,538 adolescents (9–10 years at baseline in 2016–2018) with two years of follow-up from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. We used mixed-effects models to analyze associations between baseline self-reported screen time and parent-reported mental health symptoms using the Child Behavior Checklist, with random effects adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, parent education, and study site. We tested for effect modification by sex and race/ethnicity.ResultsThe sample was 48.8% female and racially/ethnically diverse (47.6% racial/ethnic minority). Higher total screen time was associated with all mental health symptoms in adjusted models, and the association was strongest for depressive (B = 0.10, 95% CI 0.06, 0.13, p < 0.001), conduct (B = 0.07, 95% CI 0.03, 0.10, p < 0.001), somatic (B = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.11, p = 0.026), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms (B = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.10, p = 0.013). The specific screen types with the greatest associations with depressive symptoms included video chat, texting, videos, and video games. The association between screen time and depressive, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and oppositional defiant symptoms was stronger among White compared to Black adolescents. The association between screen time and depressive symptoms was stronger among White compared to Asian adolescents.ConclusionsScreen time is prospectively associated with a range of mental health symptoms, especially depressive symptoms, though effect sizes are small. Video chat, texting, videos, and video games were the screen types with the greatest associations with depressive symptoms. Future research should examine potential mechanisms linking screen use with child behavior problems.

8256 Early Life Stress and Pubertal Predictors of Youth Substance Use Initiation: Does Sex Moderate the Relationship Between ELS, Puberty, and Substance Use Initiation?

Abstract Disclosure: A. Donovan: None. S. Assari: None. M. Shaheen: None. C. Grella: None. L. Richter: None. T.C. Friedman: None. Background: Early life stress (ELS) is a construct composed of children’s experiences of abuse, neglect, and conflict. Approximately 20% of adolescents in the United States have experienced ELS at some point, and these experiences influence adolescent and adult health behavior outcomes. Adults with a history of ELS display higher rates of substance use disorders (SUD) and report earlier initiation of substance use. Additionally, ELS has been associated with early puberty, which in turn is linked to earlier substance use initiation. Our study examines the roles of pubertal status, sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA) and ELS as predictors of the initiation of substance use among a nationally representative sample of male and female adolescents in NIDA’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) database. Methods: Baseline measures from the ABCD database release 5.0 were used to generate an ELS score (0-60), puberty assessed via parental report on the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS, 1-4), and sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA) were analyzed via salivary samples. The relationship between these scores and time to first use of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana was determined via survival analysis utilizing a cox regression. Age was tested as a covariate in the interaction of ELS and time to first use of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. Data were analyzed overall and for biological boys and girls separately (N=11,866, 52%M 48%F. ages 9-11 at baseline). Results: We observed additive effects of PDS score, estradiol measure, age, and ELS on time to first use of any substance (alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana) and found age (Exp β= 1.029, p&amp;lt;0.001) and ELS (Exp β= 1.017, p&amp;lt;0.05) to be significant predictors of time to first use. After separating by sex, ELS was no longer a significant predictor for males (Exp β= 1.014, p=0.054), but remained a predictor for females (Exp β= 1.019, p&amp;lt;0.05) indicating the overall effect was driven by females. Additionally, salivary estradiol was a significant predictor of first use for females (Exp β= 1.208, p&amp;lt;0.05), while salivary DHEA and testosterone were not predictors for males or females. Conclusions: Our results indicate sex does moderate the relationship between ELS and substance use initiation within our population, with females showing increased risk of initiation with increases in estradiol. Further findings from our study will help to describe sex differences among the factors that increase the risk of substance use initiation among ELS-exposed youth and explore how these vary by substance. ABCD provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore the mechanisms behind complex effects of ELS by sex on risk factors for adolescent substance use initiation. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Associations of adverse childhood experiences with blood pressure among early adolescents in the United States

The associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with blood pressure in adulthood are inconclusive. Similarly, the association between ACEs and blood pressure earlier in the life course is understudied. This study aims to assess the associations of ACEs with blood pressure among early adolescents. We utilized data collected at baseline (age: 9–10 years) and Year 2 follow-up from 4077 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. We used adjusted multiple linear regression models to estimate the associations of ACEs (cumulative score and subtypes) at baseline with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at year 2 of follow-up. Experiencing ≥4 ACEs (compared to 0) was significantly associated with higher SBP (B = 3.31, 95 % CI 0.03, 6.57, p = 0.048). Of the ACEs subtypes, household substance use (B = 2.28, 95 % CI 0.28, 4.28, p = 0.028) and divorce or separation (B = 2.08, 95 % CI 0.01, 4.15, p = 0.048) were both significantly associated with a higher SBP while household mental illness (B = 2.57, 95 % CI 1.32, 3.81, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with a higher DBP. Our findings suggest that exposure to multiple ACEs is associated with higher blood pressure in adolescence.

Bayesian inference for group-level cortical surface image-on-scalar regression with Gaussian process priors.

In regression-based analyses of group-level neuroimage data, researchers typically fit a series of marginal general linear models to image outcomes at each spatially referenced pixel. Spatial regularization of effects of interest is usually induced indirectly by applying spatial smoothing to the data during preprocessing. While this procedure often works well, the resulting inference can be poorly calibrated. Spatial modeling of effects of interest leads to more powerful analyses; however, the number of locations in a typical neuroimage can preclude standard computing methods in this setting. Here, we contribute a Bayesian spatial regression model for group-level neuroimaging analyses. We induce regularization of spatially varying regression coefficient functions through Gaussian process priors. When combined with a simple non-stationary model for the error process, our prior hierarchy can lead to more data-adaptive smoothing than standard methods. We achieve computational tractability through a Vecchia-type approximation of our prior that retains full spatial rank and can be constructed for a wide class of spatial correlation functions. We outline several ways to work with our model in practice and compare performance against standard vertex-wise analyses and several alternatives. Finally, we illustrate our methods in an analysis of cortical surface functional magnetic resonance imaging task contrast data from a large cohort of children enrolled in the adolescent brain cognitive development study.

Effects of racial teasing on adolescent marijuana use and nicotine vaping: An analysis of the Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

BackgroundDespite adverse effects of tobacco and marijuana use on the adolescent brain, its use among youth remains high. Previous research shows associations between bullying and risks of substance use; less is known about racial teasing. This study examines associations of racial teasing, marijuana and/or electronic vapor products (EVP) use among adolescents, using 2021 Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (VYRBSS). MethodsVYRBSS is a self-reported survey which collects information on experiences with racial teasing and substance use. This analysis included 3,083 high school students ≥ 12 years old. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were performed for categorical variables. Multivariable models were adjusted for confounders. ResultsRacial teasing was associated with marijuana (AOR 1.89; CI 1.43–2.48) and EVP use (AOR 2.52; CI 1.91–3.31). Compared to Whites; Asians, Blacks, and Latinos were more likely to report racial teasing. Older heterosexual females reported higher use of marijuana and EVP. Blacks reported greater use of marijuana, whereas Whites were more likely to use EVP. EVP use was higher in females (AOR 1.73, CI 1.34–2.23), bisexual youth (AOR 1.68, CI 1.23, 2.30) and poor mental health (AOR 1.49, CI 1.16, 1.92). Marijuana use was associated with bisexuality (AOR 1.75, CI 1.28–2.39) and poor mental health (AOR 1.62, CI 1.27–2.07) as well. ConclusionsEvery effort should be made by public health professionals in Virginia to prevent racial teasing among adolescents because it increases the odds of substance use, particularly in older females, youth who identify as bisexual, and those reporting poor mental health.

Beyond Birth Control: The Neuroscience of Hormonal Contraceptives.

Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are one of the most highly prescribed classes of drugs in the world used for both contraceptive and noncontraceptive purposes. Despite their prevalent use, the impact of HCs on the brain remains inadequately explored. This review synthesizes recent findings on the neuroscience of HCs, with a focus on human structural neuroimaging as well as translational, nonhuman animal studies investigating the cellular, molecular, and behavioral effects of HCs. Additionally, we consider data linking HCs to mood disorders and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stress response as a potential mediator. The review also addresses the unique sensitivity of the adolescent brain to HCs, noting significant changes in brain structure and function when HCs are used during this developmental period. Finally, we discuss potential effects of HCs in combination with smoking-derived nicotine on outcomes of ischemic brain damage. Methodological challenges, such as the variability in HC formulations and user-specific factors, are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for precise and individualized research approaches. Overall, this review underscores the necessity for continued interdisciplinary research to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms of HCs, aiming to optimize their use and improve women's health.

New precursors of ill mental health and the “at risk” adolescent brain: Implication for prevention

Precursors are evoked upstream of the Capgras’ syndrome. Then, an analogy is suggested between the need for prognostic classification linked to the saturation of the asylum population at the dawn of the 20th century, and the current overflow of the psychiatric healthcare system. The contemporary situation justifies the search for information useful to mitigate ill mental health in at-risk adolescents. The article presents recent research reports on adolescents at-risk of emotional dysregulation, stemming from a longitudinal cohort database of European adolescents. The database analyses have revealed new brain and psychometric predictors of emotional dysregulation in adolescents. New early indicators were derived from easy-to-administer questionnaires, exploring emotions, affective symptoms and traits, sleep, early adversity and stress, puberty. Findings suggest that the physiology and stages of brain development could be taken into account for decisions regarding Mental Health. Studies on adolescent brain development have implications for public health, in terms of the age of protection for adolescents, and targeted prevention upstream of care.

Functional brain connectivity predictors of prospective substance use initiation and their environmental correlates

BackgroundEarly substance use initiation (SUI) places youth at substantially higher risk for later substance use disorders. Furthermore, adolescence is a critical period for the maturation of brain networks, the pace and magnitude of which are susceptible to environmental influences and may shape risk for SUI. MethodsWe examined whether patterns of functional brain connectivity during rest (rsFC), measured longitudinally in pre-and-early adolescence, can predict future SUI. Next, in an independent sub-sample, we tested whether these patterns are associated with earlier environmental exposures, specifically neighborhood pollution and socioeconomic dimensions. We utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study®. SUI was defined as first-time use of at least one full dose of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, or other drugs. We created a control group (N = 228) of participants without SUI who were matched with the SUI group (N = 233) on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and parental income and education. ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that whole-brain rsFC from 9-10 to 11-12 years of age (prior to SUI) prospectively differentiated the SUI and control groups. The SUI-related rsFC pattern was also related to aging in both groups, suggesting a pattern of accelerated maturation in the years prior to SUI. This same pattern of rsFC was predicted by higher pollution, but not neighborhood disadvantage (adjusted for family socioeconomic factors) in an independent sub-sample (N = 2,854). ConclusionBrain functional connectivity patterns in early adolescence that are linked to accelerated maturation can predict SUI in youth and are associated with exposure to pollution.

State-level variation in the prevalence of child psychopathology symptoms in the US: Results from the ABCD study

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of clinically meaningful youth mood, anxiety, behavioral, and attention symptoms across US states. MethodData are drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study baseline wave, which included 11,876 children ages 9-10. Statistical weighting strategies generated projected state-specific prevalence estimates for the 17 states where ABCD collected data based on state socio-demographics. Twenty dimensions of mental health were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist using recommended cut-scores to assess clinical and sub-threshold symptoms. ResultsPsychopathology symptom prevalence varied by state and outcome. Projected prevalence of internalizing problems ranged from 11.0% [95% CI: 9.8%, 12.2%; Oklahoma] to 7.9% [95% CI: 6.9%, 9.0%; Maryland] across states. Projected prevalence of externalizing problems ranged from 6.9% [95% CI: 6.1%, 7.8%; South Carolina] to 4.5% [95% CI: 3.7%, 5.4%; California]. Regions with high symptoms included sections of the South (e.g., Oklahoma, South Carolina) and Vermont. Conduct problems had the most variability across states (i.e., greatest state-level prevalence 91% higher than the lowest). Attention problems had the least variability across states (greatest state-level prevalence 26% higher than the lowest). ConclusionsClinically meaningful psychopathology symptoms are common in children across the US, with substantial state-level variability in prevalence. Understanding variability in the prevalence of psychopathology symptoms across the US can help to inform resource allocation to increase the availability of youth mental health services.

Diet quality during pregnancy, adolescent brain morphology, and cognitive performance in a population-based cohort

Diet quality during pregnancy, adolescent brain morphology, and cognitive performance in a population-based cohort

Working memory related brain-behavior associations in the context of socioeconomic and psychosocial deprivation

Burgeoning neuroimaging research documents the associations between working memory (WM)-associated neural and behavioral responses. However, these associations have yielded small and inconsistent effect sizes. We hypothesize that one reason for the weakened brain-behavior associations stems from different environmental contexts. Specifically, little research has examined how exposure to adverse rearing environments accounts for variability in brain-behavior relations. Deprivation, characterized by an absence of cognitive and positive social stimulation, has been shown to compromise children's neurocognitive development. Hence, informed by an ecological approach to developmental neuroscience, the present study aims to investigate if psychosocial and socioeconomic deprivation serves as moderators in the associations between neural responses and behaviors during a WM task. Using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (N = 11, 878, Mage = 9.48, 47.8% female, 52.0% White), we found that psychosocial, but not socioeconomic deprivation, significantly attenuated the positive association between WM-related neural activation within the frontoparietal network and attendant behavioral performance. Specifically, children exposed to higher levels of psychosocial deprivation exhibited weaker brain-behavior relations during a WM task. This finding suggests that a certain level of neural response during cognitive tasks may correspond to different levels of behavioral performance depending on children's rearing environment, highlighting the importance of contextual factors in understanding the brain and cognitive development.

Discrimination and manic symptoms in early adolescence: A prospective cohort study

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the prospective associations between four types of perceived discrimination (country of origin, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and weight) and the development of manic symptoms in a diverse, nationwide sample of adolescents aged 9–14 years in the U.S. MethodsWe analyzed prospective cohort data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 7466; ages 9–14 years at Year 1 or 2 in 2017–2020; 49.1 % female; 42.1 % racial/ethnic minority). Multiple zero-inflated negative binomial analyses were conducted to examine the associations between Year 1 or 2 discrimination (by country of origin, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, weight, sum score), and Year 3 manic symptoms (7 Up Mania scale), adjusting for covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, parental education, sipping alcohol, puffing tobacco, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, Year 1 manic symptoms, and study site). ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, perceived discrimination based on country of origin (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.46; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.86), sexual orientation (IRR = 1.36; 95 % CI 1.21–1.53), race/ethnicity (IRR = 1.28; 95 % CI 1.13–1.46), weight (IRR = 1.21 95 % CI 1.09–1.34), and sum scores (IRR = 1.18 5 % CI 1.12–1.24), were significantly associated with higher manic symptoms. ConclusionPerceived discrimination based on country of origin, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, weight, and sum scores, are prospectively associated with greater manic symptoms in adolescents. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address discrimination and associated psychological impacts. Efforts to reduce discrimination and to support affected adolescents are important components of comprehensive mental health care and public health strategies.