Brain scans reveal secrets of ‘terrible teens’

The terrible teens has long been known to parents - but scientists have now found out why some teenagers are prone to taking huge risks as well as seeming antisocial, the Daily Mail reports.

They say the research could explain why unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for adolescents.

They also say it could explain their seemingly antisocial behaviour - and say it is similar to addiction.

New research from the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas found that connections between certain brain regions are amplified in teens more prone to risk.

“Our brains have an emotional-regulation network that exists to govern emotions and influence decision-making,” explained the study's lead author, Sam Dewitt.

“Antisocial or risk-seeking behavior may be associated with an imbalance in this network.”

The study, conducted by Francesca Filbey, Ph.D., Director of Cognitive Neuroscience Research of Addictive Behaviors at the Center for BrainHealth and her colleagues, shows that risk-taking teens exhibit hyperconnectivity between the amygdala, a center responsible for emotional reactivity, and specific areas of the prefrontal cortex associated with emotion regulation and critical thinking skills.

He is also said to be pointing out that even though the risk-taking group did partake in risky behavior, none met clinical criteria for
behavioral or substance use disorders.

By identifying these factors early on, the research team hopes to have a better chance of providing effective cognitive strategies to help risk-seeking adolescents regulate their emotions and avoid risk-taking behavior and substance abuse.

Read more on the Daily Mail website.