The Teen Brain

In this year’s report we take a look at the teenage years, highlighting unique factors that make adolescence exciting, important, and potentially dangerous — including its role as a significant risk period for mental health disorders.

The report is guided and organized according to three main concepts:

• The adolescent brain develops until at least age 25.
• Most mental health disorders have onset before 24.
• Encouraging understanding of adolescent mental health through education and anti-stigma programs will change lives.

This report explores specific issues including:

• smartphones and social media
• substance use and abuse
• anxiety and depression
• ADHD
• psychotic episodes and schizophrenia
• suicide and self-harm
• unique challenges in adolescent mental health care
• evidence-based educational and therapeutic approaches for adolescents

Download the 2017 Children’s Mental Health Report and Overview or view our other reports.

Download the 2017 Children’s Mental Health Report Supplement: Talking to Teens About the Brain, Behavior and Risk.

Download a toolkit with social media and email tips and a shareable infographic, perfect for social media.

Contact our Media Office or call +1 646.625.4341.