(ARA) - Ever wonder why you can have a pleasant conversation with your teenager one minute, and the next, they are screaming at you and slamming doors for no apparent reason? New research reveals it's not your son or daughter's fault, but the work of their quickly developing brain.
A study recently conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reveals something no one knew before -- patterns of brain development don't end in early childhood, they actually extend into the teenage years. One of the doctors involved in the study explained its significance during a recent episode of "Keeping Kids Healthy," the Emmy-nominated weekly children's health television show examining real-life issues facing kids, teens and their parents.
"Before MRI came along, changes in teen brains were thought to occur at almost glacial speed," said Dr. Jay Giedd, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with the NIMH. "We thought there was less than a 10 percent change from 5 to 20 years of age. When we were able to follow individual children by watching them develop, we were amazed at how dynamic and how bustling with activity the teen brain really is."
Dr. Giedd and his fellow researchers followed 145 children through adolescence, scanning their brains every two years as they grew up. When they compared the images, they discovered less activity and development in the frontal lobes of teens than in adults. The frontal lobe is the area of the brain used for reasoning.
Dr. Giedd points out that in teenagers, the areas of the brain that control "gut" reactions are more developed than the areas for reasoning, which explains why teenagers tend to act without thinking things through.
"Bottom line is what characterizes the teen years are the extremes. They can be your lovable child one minute, like an adult the next, or anywhere in between, but don't hold that against them," says Dr. Giedd. "Parents need to expect some bumps in the road, but along with the challenges and bumps are great times." So be understanding and supportive of your teen as they make the transition to adulthood.
Produced by Montefiore Medical Center in association with Thirteen/WNET New York, "Keeping Kids Healthy" is a groundbreaking weekly children's health television show that examines real-life issues that kids, teens and parents face. This Parents' Choice Foundation Award-winning show brings parents and children who are living with a particular medical issue every day, together with nationally recognized medical experts who offer practical advice and tips. Check with your local public television station for airdates and times or visit www.keepingkidshealthy.org.
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