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Ravindranath O, Perica MI, Parr AC, Ojha A, McKeon SD, Montano G, Ullendorff N, Luna B, Edmiston EK. Adolescent neurocognitive development and decision-making abilities regarding gender-affirming care. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101351. [PMID: 38383174 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, politicians and legislative bodies have cited neurodevelopmental literature to argue that brain immaturity undermines decision-making regarding gender-affirming care (GAC) in youth. Here, we review this literature as it applies to adolescents' ability to make decisions regarding GAC. The research shows that while adolescence is a time of peak risk-taking behavior that may lead to impulsive decisions, neurocognitive systems supporting adult-level decisions are available given deliberative processes that minimize influence of short-term rewards and peers. Since GAC decisions occur over an extended period and with support from adult caregivers and clinicians, adolescents can engage adult-level decision-making in this context. We also weigh the benefits of providing GAC access during adolescence and consider the significant costs of blocking or delaying GAC. Transgender and non-binary (TNB) adolescents face significant mental health challenges, many of which are mitigated by GAC access. Further, initiating the GAC process during adolescence, which we define as beginning at pubertal onset, leads to better long-term mental health outcomes than waiting until adulthood. Taken together, existing research indicates that many adolescents can make informed decisions regarding gender-affirming care, and that this care is critical for the well-being of TNB youth. We highlight relevant considerations for policy makers, researchers, and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orma Ravindranath
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Maria I Perica
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashley C Parr
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amar Ojha
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shane D McKeon
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gerald Montano
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Naomi Ullendorff
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Beatriz Luna
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - E Kale Edmiston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, USA
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Toenders YJ, van der Cruijsen R, Runze J, van de Groep S, Wierenga L, Crone EA. Mood variability during adolescent development and its relation to sleep and brain development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8537. [PMID: 38609481 PMCID: PMC11014928 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mood swings, or mood variability, are associated with negative mental health outcomes. Since adolescence is a time when mood disorder onset peaks, mood variability during this time is of significant interest. Understanding biological factors that might be associated with mood variability, such as sleep and structural brain development, could elucidate the mechanisms underlying mood and anxiety disorders. Data from the longitudinal Leiden self-concept study (N = 191) over 5 yearly timepoints was used to study the association between sleep, brain structure, and mood variability in healthy adolescents aged 11-21 at baseline in this pre-registered study. Sleep was measured both objectively, using actigraphy, as well as subjectively, using a daily diary self-report. Negative mood variability was defined as day-to-day negative mood swings over a period of 5 days after an MRI scan. It was found that negative mood variability peaked in mid-adolescence in females while it linearly increased in males, and average negative mood showed a similar pattern. Sleep duration (subjective and objective) generally decreased throughout adolescence, with a larger decrease in males. Mood variability was not associated with sleep, but average negative mood was associated with lower self-reported energy. In addition, higher thickness in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) compared to same-age peers, suggesting a delayed thinning process, was associated with higher negative mood variability in early and mid-adolescence. Together, this study provides an insight into the development of mood variability and its association with brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara J Toenders
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Renske van der Cruijsen
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Runze
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne van de Groep
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lara Wierenga
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline A Crone
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Toledo F, Carson F. Neurocircuitry of Personality Traits and Intent in Decision-Making. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:351. [PMID: 37232586 PMCID: PMC10215416 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though most personality features are moderately stable throughout life, changes can be observed, which influence one's behavioral patterns. A variety of subjective assessments can be performed to track these changes; however, the subjective characteristic of these assessments may lead to questions about intentions and values. The use of neuroimaging techniques may aid the investigation of personality traits through a more objective lens, overcoming the barriers imposed by confounders. Here, neurocircuits associated with changes in personality domains were investigated to address this issue. Cortical systems involved in traits such as extraversion and neuroticism were found to share multiple components, as did traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness, with these four features revolving around the activation and structural integrity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The attribute of openness appears scattered throughout cortical and subcortical regions, being discussed here as a possible reflection of intent, at the same time modulating and being governed by other traits. Insights on how systems operate on personality may increase comprehension on factors acting on the evolution, development, and consolidation of personality traits through life, as in neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felippe Toledo
- Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg;
- Luxembourg Health and Sport Sciences Research Institute A.S.B.L., L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Fraser Carson
- Luxembourg Health and Sport Sciences Research Institute A.S.B.L., L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
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Williams GG, MacNamara Á. Challenge is in the eye of the beholder: Exploring young athlete's experience of challenges on the talent pathway. J Sports Sci 2022; 40:1078-1087. [PMID: 35257642 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2047503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The journey of young athletes on the talent pathway in sport has been identified as non-linear. Central to this has been the influence of challenging experiences, yet little is known on the experiences of currently young athletes during the challenge, particularly in the early years of the talent pathway. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of young athletes as they negotiated their self-identified most difficult challenge. Eight participants were purposefully sampled based on their involvement in the early years of a talent pathway and their status as currently young athletes. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted at two time points separated by five months. Data was analysed via thematic analysis. Participants identified the bespoke nature and impact of their most difficult challenge, a range of psychobehavioural skills and diverse social support to engage with and embrace their most difficult challenge and the influence of their most difficult challenge on the preparation for future challenges. Talent pathway stakeholders should be cognisant of the preparation, individualisation and reflection processes required to optimise talent development via challenges. Specifically, young athletes should be supported in skilfully deploying psychobehavioural skills, assisted by key personnel who purposefully aid in navigating the most difficult challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham G Williams
- Faculty of Science and Health, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Millfield Institute of Sport and Wellbeing, Millfield Sport, Millfield School, Somerset, UK
| | - Áine MacNamara
- Faculty of Science and Health, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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Achterberg M, Becht A, van der Cruijsen R, van de Groep IH, Spaans JP, Klapwijk E, Crone EA. Longitudinal associations between social media use, mental well-being and structural brain development across adolescence. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 54:101088. [PMID: 35220022 PMCID: PMC8881643 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Youth of today grow up in a digital social world but the effects on well-being and brain development remain debated. This study tracked longitudinal associations between structural brain development, social media use and mental well-being. The study demonstrated two pathways of heterogeneity in brain development. First, adolescents who used social media more than their peers showed higher baseline cortical thickness in lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and medial PFC; and stronger decreases in the lateral PFC and temporal parietal junction. In contrast, adolescents with lower mental well-being showed lower baseline levels of surface area in the medial PFC and posterior superior temporal sulcus relative to their peers. Whereas the associations between structural brain development and well-being remained significant after correction for multiple testing, the results for social media use did not survive FDR correction. These findings demonstrate that although social media use and mental well-being were both associated with differential trajectories of brain development, the associations we report are distinct. These results show a nuanced perspective on the presumed relations between social media use and well-being and provide a starting point to further examine neural mechanisms that could explain which adolescents thrive by social media and which might be harmed. Longitudinal study with three time points across adolescence on MPFC, TPJ, pSTS and LPFC development. Cortical thickness development differed between high vs low social media users. Surface area development differed between low vs high mental well-being subgroups. Associations with well-being remained significant after stringent FDR correction. Social media and well-being are distinctly associated with structural brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Achterberg
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrik Becht
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ilse H van de Groep
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Eveline A Crone
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Leiden University, The Netherlands
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