ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
Professor Jackie Hoare, Neuroscience Institute, Head of the Division of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, co-director of the HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health.
Tuesday 27 January 9.15 am COURSE FEES R115; Staff and Students R58
This lecture is part of the Neuroscience Institute’s Hot Topics in Neuroscience series.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is characterised by improvements in higher-order cognitive abilities and corresponding refinements of the structure and function of the brain regions that support them. Importantly, understanding adolescence as a critically important adolescent developmental period not only provides a mechanism for normative adolescent development, it provides a framework for understanding the role of experience and neurobiology in the emergence of psychopathology that occurs during this developmental period. Understanding adolescent neurodevelopment significantly enhances interactions with teenagers by providing insight into their cognitive, emotional and social development. This knowledge helps caregivers, educators and parents better understand behaviours, manage challenges and create supportive environments for healthy growth and development. By recognising the unique brain changes during this period, individuals can foster stronger relationships, improve communication and empower adolescents to reach their full potential.
Recommended reading
Bethlehem, RAI et al. 2022. Brain Charts for the Human Lifespan, Nature, 604, pp. 525–533. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04554-y
Health professionals can earn CPD points for this lecture.
TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/performance.aspx?itemid=1575448172