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A new European study recently published in the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry is the first to show that chronic peer victimization, otherwise known as bullying, during adolescence, changes the brain structure of teens, making them more susceptible to developing anxiety. The findings are part of the IMAGEN project, a longitudinal study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine links between mental illness and adolescent brain development. [More]

If your child is struggling with Social Anxiety, it’s important to know that you are not alone. It is a very common disorder that can be treated effectively. Listening to your child, and providing support and encouragement will go a long way toward helping your child recover from this disorder. Social anxiety does not have to limit your child or keep them on the sidelines. [More]

Sex trafficking is one of the most complex, under-investigated, and misunderstood issues today (Estes & Wiener, 2001). Not to be confused with willful prostitution, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act defines sex trafficking as "the recruitment, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where such an act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age" (Kerry, 2013). [More]

While the signs and symptoms of depression are the same for adolescents and adults, depression in teens often presents very differently from adults (ibid.). It is imperative, therefore, for parents, teachers, and professionals involved with adolescents to know the different ways teens show their depression. [More]

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, better known as ADHD, is a disorder that many people in the United States have to deal with on a regular basis. Whether you're an adult that didn't get treated as a child, an adult that developed adult onset ADHD, or you have a child that has ADHD, there are a lot of things that you need to do in order to deal with the disease in a way that is effective and helps you or your child work through life in the way that they were intended to. [More]

Dating is supposed to be a time for teens to explore relationships and learn about themselves. It is supposed to be fun--and safe. But sometimes things go terribly wrong. Too often, teens are resorting to emotional and physical violence to resolve conflicts and manage painful feelings. Teens and their loved ones must be able to recognize abusive behavior in relationships, and know how to safely leave a relationship and get help. [More]

Hazing is a widespread problem impacting not only colleges and universities, but high schools, as well. Rites of passage and initiation rituals are nothing new, but some of the hazing that goes on is devastating for victims and their families, and even illegal. Both victims and those participating in perpetrating the hazing can experience significant psychological effects including trauma reactions and shame and guilt. Joining any group, team, or club should not mean sacrificing your physical or psychological health and well-being. [More]

Dr. Randall Green, PHD, LMFT, CAP, is not only an octogenarian (80-years-old); he is also 34-years sober. He recently stopped by a South Florida teen drug and alcohol addiction rehab to offer those in recovery eight slogans to live by that can change their life in a positive way. While the speech was presented at a teen alcohol and substance abuse treatment center and the speaker is a clinical director in the drug and alcohol industry, I thought his points resonate with all teens – whether or not they suffer from alcohol or substance abuse addiction. [More]

Many children struggle with mental illness. However, unlike adults, the symptoms are different and can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes parents are unaware of the warning signs of mental illness in children, and if it is recognized, they may not know who to turn to. Mental health issues affect children in school, at home and in the community, and left untreated can cause delays in development in those domains. [More]

These disorders are very dangerous, and must be taken seriously and treated by a professional. As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do. You want more than anything to help your child, even while you and your family struggle with conflicting emotions, including fear that your child will seriously harm herself, or even die. [More]