How Is The Teen Brain Different and What Does This Mean?

By the time your child reaches the teen years, they may look like adults (and may even be taller than you), act like adults, and believe they are full-blown adults. They’re transitioning into that adulthood phase, but it’s important to realize that their brain is still actively developing during these years. 

While the brain stops growing in the late teenage years, many finishing touches occur until the mid-twenties. 

There are plenty of differences between teens and adults, all of which stem from the differences between the teen and adult brains.

The Prefrontal Cortex Difference

Our prefrontal cortex mainly controls impulses, problem-solving, planning, rational thinking, and demonstrating good judgment. Much of what it takes to be an adult. 

These skills are refined and working effectively as an adult with a fully developed prefrontal cortex. While this may be impacted occasionally, you can manage impulses and think critically when needed. 

However, teens' prefrontal cortexes are still very much in development. This explains why they may make rash decisions or what you view as poor decisions. They don’t have the capacity to tell when situations are unsafe or have advanced consequences. This is also why teens are more willing to experiment and partake in riskier behaviors. 

The Emotional Center of the Brain Develops Fast

Adolescent years mark a time for rapid development of the emotional center of the brain. The amygdala is a small but mighty part of our brains responsible for processing and regulating emotions, as well as tying them to memories and learning. 

Since this is an active developmental time, emotions can be heightened and triggered very easily. What we see as small inconveniences as adults may elicit disastrous responses for teens. They are more likely to ride the emotional roller coaster more frequently. 

Neuronal Network Development

The brain has a whole network of neurons that travel back and forth between the two hemispheres. By reaching adulthood, this network is mostly developed until changes need to be made. While changes are possible due to a concept called neuroplasticity, this network is still making its main connections in teen brains. 

Teen brains are still learning as other areas of the brain develop. Information is being absorbed from the environment around it. Connections are being made as the brain and body trial out new actions. 

This network development is paramount for good mental health. The connections made support behavior, mood regulation, emotional regulation, and new learning. 

Stress Responses Differ

Every person, regardless of age, experiences stress in daily life. How people choose to respond to stress differs greatly. 

Teens' brains are still developing, and they can’t manage stress like adults do. This is why teens are more likely to experience stress-induced conditions and stress-related mental health disorders. 

Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high for teens, and their development is the culprit. Understanding how stress can trigger certain responses and learning to effectively cope with stress is especially important in the teen years.

Teens Aren’t Sleeping Enough

The brain releases many hormones with important functions throughout the body. One of these hormones is melatonin, the sleep hormone. 

Teenagers' and adults' brains have different responses to melatonin release, which can impact getting a good night’s rest and recovery. During teen years, melatonin levels tend to run higher at night, causing late-night restlessness. This also explains why they’re more groggy in the morning. It isn't necessarily due to wanting to avoid school after all. 

Since melatonin levels cause some sleep cycle inefficiencies, many teens don’t get the appropriate amount of rest each night. This can result in a harder time focusing and concentrating in school, difficulty controlling emotions, and poor performance academically and athletically. 

Are you interested in learning more about your teen’s emotional and psychological well-being? Contact us to schedule an appointment today for teen counseling or therapy for young adults.