Adolescents

  • teenagers sitting, drinking beer from glass bottle and holding cigarette

    Neuroanatomical Variability and Early Substance Use Initiation: Insights from the ABCD Study

    Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, making it a sensitive window for experiences that may shape long-term outcomes. A new study from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) project examined whether neuroanatomical variability is linked to early initiation of alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis. Drawing on baseline brain images taken before substance use began, the researchers found regionally specific differences in cortical thickness and surface area among early initiators. The findings highlight the complexity of adolescent neurodevelopment and point to the value of large-scale, longitudinal studies in clarifying how brain structure and behaviour unfold together.

    Read more
  • 17

    Siblings and the Family

    Speakers will present new research, intervention adaptation, and service perspectives, highlighting risk and protective factors, effective supports, and the vital role siblings play in both family wellbeing and shaping mental health services.

    Read more
  • 14

    An update on ACT research in children and young people

    Discover the latest ACT research in children and young people with this ACAMH webinar led by Dr. Victoria Samuel. Learn about psychological flexibility and evidence‑based ACT‑informed wellbeing programmes such as InTER‑ACT. Led by Dr. Victoria Samuel.

    Event type
    Introductory to Advanced
    Location
    LIVE STREAM
    Read more
  • 04

    Eating Disorders in Young People: Advancing Evidence and Practice – 2025 Judy Dunn International Conference

    Join us for the 2025 Judy Dunn International Conference, bringing together leading experts to share the latest evidence and clinical insights on eating disorders in young people. This year’s programme will explore current research and innovations in understanding these conditions and their treatment, offering delegates deeper perspectives to inform their work with children and adolescents.

    Event type
    Judy Dunn International Conference
    Read more
  • 25

    Parenting and Protecting Adolescents in the Age of Social Media and AI

    Adolescents spend much of their lives online and adults are increasingly worried that screen time, social media, and now artificial intelligence (AI) will harm their mental health. Award winning psychologist Candice Odgers will address current fears with facts about adolescent mental health in the digital age and provide science-backed strategies for those working to support the young people in their families, classrooms, and communities.

    Read more
  • 22

    Mental Health in Schools: Practical Strategies for a Stepped, Collaborative Approach

    This three part webinar series brings together leading experts to share practical, evidence-based strategies for strengthening student mental health within schools through comprehensive, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Attendees will learn how to implement prevention and early intervention strategies, foster stronger collaboration among schools, families, and communities, and build sustainable systems that ensure student well-being and academic success.

    Event type
    Short course - 3 sessions
    Location
    LIVE STREAM
    Read more
  • Portrait of son hugging his father, together at home. Son caring for his father, putting hand on his shoulder, comforting and consoling him. Family love, bonding, care and confidence

    Social Fears in Children: The Roles of Parental Communication and Child Temperament

    A recent longitudinal study by Zeytinoglu and colleagues (2025) provides insights into how parental verbal communication and child characteristics contribute to the transmission of social fears. The study shows the impact of both positive and negative maternal statements about ambiguous social situations, finding that positive comments were linked to reductions in children’s social fear beliefs, while negative comments predicted increases, especially among children who were behaviourally inhibited or had high anxiety.

    Read more
  • shutterstock 2376281225

    Children and Adolescents with Single and Multiple Traumas Response to PTSD Therapy: New Insights from a Major Meta-Analysis

    A 2023 meta-analysis led by Hoppen and colleagues examined whether children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) benefit equally from psychological interventions, regardless of whether they have experienced a single traumatic event or multiple traumas (Hoppen et al., 2023).

    Read more
  • Black girl and grandmother lying on grass, overhead close up

    Insights from Two Decades of Statewide Data on the Diagnostic Rates among Autistic Females

    A 2024 study by Harrop and colleagues reflects how the landscape of autism diagnosis for females has evolved. Drawing on more than 10,000 diagnostic records from the TEACCH Autism Program in North Carolina, spanning the years 2000 to 2021, the study reveals a steady increase in the proportion of females identified as autistic. While diagnostic pathways are becoming more inclusive, late recognition remains a concern, highlighting the ongoing need for approaches that acknowledge the diversity of autistic experience.

    Read more
  • shutterstock 1097025746

    ARFID: What We Know About Psychological Treatments So Far

    Which treatments are showing promise? How is progress measured? What can clinicians take from this? Find out in this blog.

    Read more