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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Moody Teen? Must Have an Immature Frontal Lobe

Decision-making area matures last: study

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(Newser) – Scientists studying teenage brains believe the growth process is responsible for some of the more unpleasant traits of adolescence, the Daily Telegraph reports. Brain scans revealed that the front of the frontal lobe—responsible for impulses and decision-making—was among the very last parts of the brain to mature, which researchers say could explain a lot of irritability and recklessness among teens.

A National Insitute of Mental Health team of researchers believes the brain's growth process can take some of the blame for moody teenage behavior.
A National Insitute of Mental Health team of researchers believes the brain's growth process can take some of the blame for moody teenage behavior.   (Shutter Stock)
The National Institute of Mental Health researchers looked at brain scans from 400 young people at 2-year intervals.
The National Institute of Mental Health researchers looked at brain scans from 400 young people at 2-year intervals.   (AP Photo)
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4 comments
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Derni
Apr 6, 09 12:41 PM CDT
We;ve known this for a long time-I kid around with my high school students and tell them all the time-"I'm your frontal lobe-and what you're doing is not a good idea." We recently found out that the brain actually goes through another "brain prunning" in later adolescence. No surpirse, we also know that things in the braain are not really all hitting on all cylinders unbtil the late 20's-one more reason to put off that wedding-let them mature. Reply
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Robert_Dada
Apr 6, 09 2:37 PM CDT
Absolutely. Parents have got to stop acting like their children''s best fiend and instead act as guardians, caretakers, guides and role models.
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TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 6, 09 3:05 PM CDT
There's another issue associated with this; development of the frontal lobe doesn't mature until the teen stops pot. In fact as a manager I've had adult employees on their knees sobbing about paranoid and childish social problems only to have them tested and find they're on pot... some of them since childhood. Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 6, 09 4:09 PM CDT
About above; I know, I know... my comment and evidence isn't exact science. But I have had to deal with the personal and social problems of thousands of people, and you can take it from me; pot don't help. Reply
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