Adolescence Flashcards
(12 cards)
Why is adolescence considered a unique developmental stage?
It involves distinct neural, cognitive, and behavioural changes that are not simply extensions of childhood or adulthood.
What are the behavioural hallmarks of adolescence?
• Cognitive development
• Increased social behaviour
• Increased risk-taking
• Emotional intensity
What neural changes occur during adolescence?
• Synaptic pruning (↓ grey matter)
• Myelination (↑ white matter)
• Circuit refinement for efficiency
How does adolescent brain development differ from early childhood?
• Early childhood: Rapid neurogenesis, high plasticity
• Adolescence: Pruning and myelination, reduced plasticity, increased vulnerability
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala in typical fear extinction?
The prefrontal cortex (especially the vmPFC) inhibits the amygdala to reduce fear responses. This top-down regulation supports successful fear extinction and emotional control.
What is the prefrontal-amygdala imbalance in adolescence?
The amygdala matures earlier than the prefrontal cortex, leading to poor emotional regulation and increased fear responses.
How does this imbalance affect fear extinction?
• vmPFC (ventromedial prefrontal cortex) is underactive
• Amygdala is overactive
• Leads to poor retention of fear extinction and greater relapse
Why are adolescents more vulnerable to mental health conditions?
• Ongoing brain reorganisation
• Prefrontal-amygdala imbalance
• Heightened stress and emotional reactivity
• Limited treatment efficacy and higher relapse rates
How does drug use affect adolescent brain development?
It reduces dendritic spine density and disrupts synaptic pruning, impairing neural development.
How does stress affect adolescent brain development?
Increases corticosterone levels and reduces dendritic spines, indicating heightened stress sensitivity.
Why are animal models used to study adolescence?
• Defined developmental stages
• Ability to manipulate variables (e.g., stress, drugs)
• Insight into neural mechanisms of typical and atypical development
What are the equivalent lifestages in rats to humans?
