The Teenage Brain

More about the book

An internationally respected neurologist offers a revolutionary look at the brains of adolescents, providing surprising insights and practical advice for adults and teens. Dr. Frances E. Jensen, a mother, teacher, researcher, and expert in neurology, introduces us to the mystery of the teen brain. This groundbreaking book focuses on the neurological development of adolescents, presenting new findings, dispelling myths, and offering suggestions for navigating this challenging life stage. Dr. Jensen combines scientific data with anecdotes from her experiences as a parent and clinician, exploring adolescent brain functioning, learning, and memory while examining the impacts of drugs, multitasking, sleep, and stress. Key revelations include that adolescents may be more vulnerable to the effects of drugs than previously thought, with occasional marijuana use linked to lasting memory issues and long-term use potentially lowering adult I.Q. Additionally, multitasking can impair learning ability, and emotionally stressful situations during adolescence can have lasting effects on mental health, increasing the risk for disorders like depression. This accessible yet rigorous exploration provides insights for parents, schools, and the legal system on how to better support young people during this critical period.