Approximately one in every 100 children worldwide falls somewhere on the autism spectrum. It has been determined in past studies that parental age affects a child’s likelihood of developing autism spectrum disorder. However, these studies examined how this likelihood is increased with higher paternal age, which has partially been attributed to mutations in sperm as […]

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) among adolescents is characterized by rapid mood changes, impulsive and self-injurious behaviors and unstable interpersonal relationships, which worsen in adulthood. The 16-year-old girl who cuts herself with a razor to seek attention and the promiscuous woman who believes the only way to be loved is through prostitution are common examples of […]

Children, adolescents and parents should all be concerned with the growing epidemics of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and depression. Years ago, type 1 diabetes was the only form of diabetes that affected children, but because of an increase in inactivity, fast food consumption and technology-enhanced hobbies, type 2 diabetes is now becoming prevalent in […]

“I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don’t know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think […]

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which the individual struggles with extreme obsessions and compulsions that interfere with his or her everyday life. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, OCD affects approximately one in every 200 children and adolescents. This is more severe than simply being a perfectionist […]

Many teens are looking for jobs this summer. Employment can benefit minors when it come to social development and understanding of finances. However, there are also downsides to adolescent employment, including less attention paid to schoolwork and higher potential for drug and alcohol abuse. Knowing what to be careful about can help parents reduce the […]

Teens and young adults often enjoy raves for the electronic music, all-night dancing and fluorescent colors. Many find that certain drugs, referred to as “club drugs,” enhance these factors by increasing sensorial stimulation. Though recreational use of these drugs began in England in the late 1980s, raves quickly made their way to the United States […]

Inhalants are one of the only types of drugs more commonly used by younger adolescents than teenagers. These individuals typically sniff, snort or huff household products that contain chemicals to obtain a euphoric high. Certain medical products, such as nitrous oxide, can also be used as an inhalant. The potentially deadly effects of inhalants are […]

In the state of California, emotional abuse is not weighed as heavily as physical abuse in child custody cases. According to the American Humane Society, children who are emotionally abused are affected as much, if not more than, those who are physically abused. However, the difficulty in proving emotional child abuse along with a combination […]

Youth who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, according to Mental Health America. A recent national survey found that 75 percent of transgender minors feel unsafe at school. The Girl Scouts of the USA and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) aim to provide […]