Behaviors May Indicate Risk of Adolescent Depression

A new study published in the May 15, 2006 issue of the Archivesof Women’s Mental Health investigated the roles of risky behaviors and the influence of gender in the development of adolescent depression. The study found that adolescents—both male and female—who are involved in risky behaviors are at increased risk for developing depressive symptoms. Among adolescents showing light and moderate risk behavior patterns, females experienced significantly more depressive symptoms than males. According to NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow, these findings “provide information for healthcare providers to consider as they screen, evaluate, and treat their young patients.”

To read more, visit http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2006/nida-15.htm

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One Cigarette at Age 11 May Increase Risk for Adolescent Smoking

A new study published in the May issue of Tobacco Control reports that a child who smokes just one cigarette at age 11 years has an increased risk for adolescent smoking. In fact, these students were twice as likely to start smoking at a later age as those who had not tried smoking, even without smoking in the interim years. These findings have important implications for smoking prevention programs, showing the significance of preventing children from trying even one cigarette.

To read more, visit http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/533406?src=mp (Medscape is a free service provided by WebMD; registration is required.)

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Characteristics in Kindergarten May Predict Deviant Peer Group Affiliation in Adolescence

A 12-year-longitudinal study reported in the May issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that certain characteristics in Kindergarten are associated with involvement in deviant peer groups in adolescence. In particular, hyperactivity, fearlessness, and a low score on pro-social behaviors in Kindergarten predicted deviant peer group affiliation in early adolescence. This research has important implications for interventions; according to authors, “professionals such as physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists could easily assess children who display these multiple risks and direct these children and their families to a prevention program at a younger age.”

To read more, visit http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/533499?src=mp (Medscape is a free service provided by WebMD; registration is required.)

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Emotional, Developmental, and Behavioral Health of American Children and their Families: A Report from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health

This Data Trends report summarizes a report from the 2003 National Health Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), the largest and most comprehensive survey of the health of children in the United States. According to the summary, “just over 5% of children ages 0-17 were reported to have a persistent emotional, developmental or behavioral problem lasting for 12 months or more.” These problems included learning disabilities, ADHD, and behavioral problems, among children 6-17 and speech problems and developmental delay among preschoolers.

To read this Data Trends report, visit http://datatrends.fmhi.usf.edu/news_0132.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)