Adolescent Brain Development And What It Means
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Trying to understand your teen can feel frustrating and confusing. You may not comprehend the reasons behind your child's behavioral and mood changes.
Some unpredictable behavior can be explained by looking at adolescent brain development. When you consider how quickly an adolescent's brain is changing, it may give insight into why their behavior may seem so out of the ordinary. The adolescent brain grows and does not stop until 25, and many teens and young adults experience heightened information-processing abilities along with social sensitivity.
Significant brain growth coupled with the normal hormonal changes associated with adolescence can be a recipe for seemingly chaotic actions. If you are struggling with understanding your teen's mood, behavior, or personality changes, researching adolescent brain development may help you learn more and support your child through development.
How adolescent brain development works
From birth, our brains constantly evolve as neural pathways become more robust and communication becomes more efficient. As babies, our brains overproduce neurons (the cells responsible for communicating messages in the nervous system) and build extensive neural pathway connections. Then, throughout the early years of childhood, some connections are strengthened while others are lost.
You might think of this process as pruning a tree: it grows stronger and produces more as certain parts are trimmed back. In neuroscience, this pruning is called brain remodeling, where unused connections are removed. By the time a child is six years old, their brain is already 90-95% of the adult size brain.
Adolescent brain development into early adulthood
The same process happens again just before puberty and extends throughout the teen years until early adulthood. Adolescence is a time of significant growth and development with intensive brain remodeling. During this time, the brain rapidly develops, strengthening those valuable connections and ridding itself of others.
Brain development happens through a pruning process that works as a "use it or lose it" principle. For example, if you use a particular piece of knowledge or skill, the neural pathways associated with it may become stronger. However, if you do not, these pathways might not be formed, and the brain may focus on other connections. This process could partially explain why teenage students have difficulty learning a second language in the classroom after age 17. Without the opportunity to practice, the brain might not have the chance to create pathways for this knowledge.
How the teen brain develops: changes in decision making and the prefrontal cortex
The emergence of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in the 1970s made it possible to visualize the brain in real-time and observe how specific parts of the brain are involved when engaged in particular types of tasks. This discovery also allowed neuroscientists to observe and compare images of the brain at different ages. Scientists found that the prefrontal cortex area* of the brain undergoes considerable development during adolescence.
The prefrontal cortex and decision making in adolescence
The developing brain forms from the back and works its way to the front. The prefrontal cortex is an area of grey matter located at the front of the brain, just behind your forehead. It is the last part of the brain to develop. Accordingly, the development of the prefrontal cortex is not finished until we are in our mid-twenties. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for reasoning, impulse control, complex thinking, working memory, and rational decision-making. This part of the brain can significantly impact teenage brain development and decision-making.
*Mental health research is constantly evolving, so older sources may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.
This amygdala is part of the limbic system and is associated with emotion, impulse, instinct, and aggression. The limbic system helps to direct the brain processes in charge of behavioral and emotional responses, especially those related to survival (i.e., fight or flight, feeding, reproduction, etc.).
This system is fully developed and functionally connected in adolescence and plays a crucial role in decision-making. The amygdala and the limbic system are responsible for reward-seeking behavior, motivating teens to seek their peers' social approval and other emotional rewards. The discrepancy in the development of these different parts of the brain can mean that adolescents face challenges when making decisions.
As close as they are to a fully developed adult brain, your teen might have the ability to hold rational discussions with you on complex topics. They may understand different perspectives on various controversial issues and grasp complex concepts. However, one of the key points to remember is that without a fully developed prefrontal cortex, teens may be susceptible to impulses, often led by their emotions and the desire for social approval. This impact can make level-headed people still prone to risk-taking when emotionally charged.
The consumption of substances can also impact the developing brain. Studies show teens are more prone to binge drinking than adults and may experience substance dependency. If you or your child is struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.
The impact of stress and trauma on mental health in adolescence
Because the teen brain is developing rapidly, it can be vulnerable to the effects of trauma and stress. Teenagers are at risk of encountering trauma. Their risky behaviors as they seek to define themselves and achieve independence might put them in conflict with parental or other authority figures. Family trauma, such as divorce or the passing of a loved one, can leave them vulnerable or uncertain.
Poor mental health and trauma in adolescence
Studies show that trauma hurts brain development for both children and teens. It can slow the healthy development of the prefrontal cortex, pushing adolescents to rely even more on their amygdala and limbic system. This process can make it difficult for them to articulate their emotions or explain their reasons for behaving in a certain way.
If you're a teen or child experiencing or witnessing abuse of any kind from families or caregivers, reach out to the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature.
Words of caution
While these facts about brain development can explain some of a teen's behavior, try to guard against generalization. The maturation of the adolescent brain is also influenced by their environment, heredity, hormones, and the uniqueness of their genetics. Even other adults may engage in impulsive or risky behaviors. You might find a wide range of personalities and behaviors within any age group. Try not to make predictions about behavior based on defining features like age. Many teens may be responsible, mentally healthy, and goal-oriented.
Advice for parenting your developing teen
Considering this knowledge about your adolescent's brain development, you may wonder about the best parenting methods. Below are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
Maintain firm boundaries, limits, and consequences
Your teen may appear mature and sophisticated, and there may be moments when you think they can handle adult freedom. However, try to remain cautious. Without a fully developed prefrontal cortex, your teen's brain could be vulnerable to instant gratification and the need for approval. As parents, you can maintain boundaries and rules and help your teen make safe choices.
Expose your child to positive activities and influences
With a brain still under construction, teens' activities may have long-term consequences on their development. Pay attention to what they do with their time. If they spend most of their time scrolling social media or playing video games, consider helping them develop other hobbies. Challenging but enjoyable activities like music, sports, or theater might positively affect the way an adolescent's brain continues to develop as they enter adulthood.
Provide opportunities for healthy risk-taking
Young people sometimes seek an outlet for impulsive and risk-taking behaviors. By allowing them to try out new experiences and activities, you may allow them to embrace risk in a way that is safe and healthy.
Get to know your child’s peer group
When you are not with them, the behavior of your teen's peer group might influence their decisions and behaviors. Be aware of who they are hanging out with and educate them on healthy relationships.
Assist your child in finding ways to express feelings creatively
Your teen may struggle to articulate their emotions without a fully functioning prefrontal cortex. Help lead them toward an outlet for their emotions through dance, music, writing, or other hobbies they enjoy.
Teach your teen real-life skills
Their brain may not be fully developed yet, but your teen may want to know that you support their transition into adulthood. Teach them practical skills like changing a tire, cooking a meal, and creating a budget. These skills could increase their confidence in future success.
Seek professional help
Gaining the perspective that your teen's behavior and emotional reactions may be rooted in their developing brain can be a first step in forming a solid relationship with open communication between you. However, if you feel unable to manage your teen's behavior or struggle with communication, reach out for help from a licensed professional therapist.
Life can get busy, especially during the teenage years, and you or your child may feel more comfortable talking to a provider from home. In these cases, online treatment could be beneficial. Research supports online therapy for teens with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Interventions can help teens learn strategies for healthy communication and improve their overall mental health. Additionally, online therapy can allow you or your teen to choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your licensed therapist.
As a parent, if you hope to reach out for mental health support, consider a platform like BetterHelp. If you have a teenaged 13-19, they may benefit from a platform like TeenCounseling that serves their age group. No matter your choice, reaching out for support can be a brave first step for anyone of any age.
Takeaway
What is the development of the adolescent brain?
The main focus of development in teen’s brains is in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for higher-level functions such as decision-making, impulse control, planning, organizing, and abstract thinking.
What are the four features of adolescent brain development?
The limbic system (the seat of emotions) remodels during early adolescence. The prefrontal cortex is the last to fully mature (many do not reach full maturation until their early to mid-twenties)—this means that most teens aren’t able to control impulses well and are not fully able to see potential consequences to their actions. Because of this they are likely to take more risks. The mesolimbic system is also restructuring during adolescence—this is the reward center of the brain. Increased dopamine may lead to substance and alcohol misuse and other risky behaviors. Finally, pruning and myelination in the brain ramp up, speeding up the information flow.
What are the 5 stages of brain development?
The five stages of brain development include:
- Stage One: This takes place between zero and 10 months, where the brain grows at a rapid pace and develops essential structures and systems. The cerebral cortex begins to form.
- Stage Two: Between 10 months and 2 years, new neurons and synapses are formed, and the brain continues to grow quickly. The prefrontal cortex begins to develop.
- Stage Three: Between the ages of 2 and 6 the brain growth rate slows down, and the child’s brain changes focus to refining existing brain circuits and neural connections. The prefrontal cortex continues to develop, and language and speech skills improve.
- Stage Four: Between 6 to 8 years old, the pruning process begins in the brain, with weak or unused neural connections eliminated for greater efficiency. Cognitive skills become more sophisticated in this stage.
- Stage Five: In the final stage between the ages of 8 and 25 years old, the prefrontal cortex matures and stabilizes. Executive functions become fully developed.
What are three changes in the brain experienced from adolescence to adulthood?
Three changes you will see in the brain from adolescence to adulthood:
- A second massive increase in neural myelination and pruning (the first happens in early childhood)
- The refining of the executive functions located in the prefrontal lobe
- Shifts in the mesolimbic system (the reward system of the brain)
Which statement about brain development and adolescence is true?
Adolescence is the time when some final important changes occur in the brain. The prefrontal cortex, the seat of higher functions, becomes fully developed during this time…sometimes not reaching full development till young adulthood. The brain will also experience a huge increase in myelination and pruning of neural pathways. Getting enough sleep is important during this time of development to ensure that the brain is flushing waste and to help teens better manage stress and emotions during this often tumultuous time.
What does cognitive and brain development look like in adolescence?
Adolescence can be a stressful time. The brain is developing its executive functions and steering decision-making away from the more emotional parts of the brain. A teen tends to start move away from thinking in absolutes and understand nuance, and cognition begins to move away from childlike thinking to more like that of a healthy adult’s.
While a teen wants to be treated more like an adult, they will often still feel like a child at times. Peer relationships can cause difficulties, as can low-self esteem and poor body image. Eating disorders are more prevalent in adolescents than any other age group. Other mental health conditions can develop at this time including depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Is adolescence an important time for brain development?
Adolescence is an incredibly important time of brain development. The higher functions of the brain are developed and refined during this time, including decision-making, reasoning, planning, and prioritizing. In addition, the brain also goes through a period of robust myelination and pruning of neural pathways. Extensive changes also take place in the mesolimbic system, which is the reward center of the brain. High dopamine levels can lead to teens partaking in risky behaviors.
What is the impact of the changes in the brain in adolescence?
According to psychological science, changes to the brain in adolescence can lead to a number of challenges. Navigating peer relationships, dealing with puberal hormones, and stress can all contribute to mood fluctuations that adult loved ones don’t always understand. All teens are different, but in general teens are more likely to take risks, get into fights (especially with parents and other authority figures), and succumb to peer pressure.
On the positive side, however, teens can tend to be idealistic, energetic, and have a strong sense of justice. Their brains are beginning to understand nuance, and they start to move away from black and white thinking.
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