Disrupted biological rhythms in teens can produce unexpected brain effects

Disrupted biological rhythms in teens can produce unexpected brain effects

A new McGill University-led study suggests that disrupting the body's internal clock during adolescence can alter how the brain responds to an in-utero risk factor linked to certain brain disorders.

Unwrap the Teen Brain

by Recovery Alberta – Community Health Promotion Services One of the major differences between teen and adult brains can be found in the brain’s reward system, which is why youth are at a higher risk for harm connected to substance use or other risk-taking behaviours. Adolescents have higher levels of activation in the areas of the brain that are important in making us feel good, encouraging them to seek risk and reward. Dopamine is commonly ref…

Teen Sleep Patterns May Shape Brain Disorder Risk

Disrupting circadian rhythms during adolescence may alter how the brain responds to prenatal infections, a known risk factor for disorders like schizophrenia and autism. In a new mouse study, researchers found that each factor alone changed behavior and brain activity, but their combination produced unique effects—sometimes even counteracting one another.