A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

Have you noticed that Adolescence is now starting at younger ages than in previous generations? Read on to learn how these changes may be affecting your teen. – Sandra

Teenagers are going through a transitional time where their brain is rewiring itself for emotional attachment, reproduction, and ultimately the creation of a stable family structure, thus ensuring future generations. There can be a noticeable gap between your child’s intelligence and behavior during the teen years. We used to attribute this to the assault of a “hormonal hurricane.” However, there is actually a lot more going on in the different structures of your teen’s brain, that end up having long-term consequences.

Did you know that the myelin sheathing, which insulates nerves, increases by 100% in teenagers? Myelin sheathing is responsible for the conduction of nerve impulses to the brain. Thus, as the nerves become twice as efficient, this feeds the intensity and speed of your teen’s reaction. The teen years are also time of the lowest levels of Serotonin in the human brain during human life. Serotonin is the primary transmitter in the limbic system, having to do with morale and moods. Low serotonin levels create a state in which your teen becomes more susceptible to stress and overwhelm.

The brain does not grow in an orderly fashion. It first over-produces a bunch of connections that go to new parts of the brain. Then around age 16, through the mid-20’s, it starts eliminating connections based on how frequently they are used. The remaining connections determine who a person feels they are for the rest of their life. Have you ever heard that the teenage brain does not complete development until close to age 25? It’s true. Something called the pre-frontal cortex, responsible for impulse control–operating much like the CEO of a company, is not fully developed until your child’s mid-twenties.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

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Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.