Brain pathway may explain higher depression rates in teen girls

Brain pathway may explain higher depression rates in teen girls

Depression is a mental health condition that affects 280 million people worldwide. It is twice as common in women than men and this pattern starts to develop during adolescence. Researchers have studied the biological processes that drive depression in adults and have shown a potential role for the kynurenine pathway, but this is the first time it has been investigated in adolescents in relation to biological sex.

"Depression is a mood disorder that results in loss of motivation, lack of self-esteem and self-confidence," recalls the Medical Research Foundation. "It causes suffering.

The potential reasons behind teenage girls' higher rates of depression compared to boys

Researchers have discovered that certain chemical imbalances in the brain may help explain the higher risk of depression in teenage girls compared to boys. They specifically highlighted the role of a chemical called tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, milk, nuts, and seeds. Tryptophan is used by the body [...] Source The post The potential reasons behind teenage girls’ higher rates of depression compare…

Addressing the Growing Concern of Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers

Teenagers today face a unique set of challenges that can lead to mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression. The increasing prevalence of these conditions is concerning for both parents and educators alike. Social pressures, academic stress, family dynamics, and the impact of social media all contribute to the rising rates of anxiety and […] The post Addressing the Growing Concern of Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers appeared first…