Author name: Dr. Tahira Rubab

Dr. Tahira Rubab Hafeez is a Consultant, Clinical Psychologist ((DK & MBPS (UK), Sex Therapist, Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and TV-Analyst in Lahore, Pakistan

Teenage Stress

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March 2009 – Research led by UCLA to be published in Psychosomatic Medicine has found that stress in adolescence may have a negative impact on health in adulthood. Healthy teenagers reporting interpersonal conflicts had increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) an inflammatory marker associated with later development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Andrew J. Fuligni, professor of psychiatry, said: "Although most research on stress and inflammation has focused upon adulthood, these results show that such links can occur as early as the teenage years, even among a healthy sample of young men and women. That suggests that alterations in the biological substrates that initiate CVD begin before adulthood." The researchers explain that common stressors, such as arguing with family or friends, are among the most powerful predictors of psychological distress. The current study investigated the potential physiological impact in 69 individuals with an average age of 17 years from Latin American and European backgrounds. Participants completed a check-list on 14 consecutive nights, reporting any negative interpersonal interactions with family, peers or school personnel (including disagreements, harassment or punishments). The study allowed for variables as socioeconomic status, major stressful life events and over-sensitivity to rejection. Researchers found that daily interpersonal stress was associated with elevated levels of inflammation, as measured by higher levels of CRP in blood samples assayed an average of eight months later. Andrew Fuligni commented: "Our findings are consistent with the emerging body of evidence that points to the link between stress and increased inflammation, which places individuals at risk for the later development of cardiovascular disease." The study also found that this association was unrelated to the individual’s psychological appraisal of stressful experiences or level of sensitivity to social rejection. Researchers comment that this highlights the importance of focusing on actual daily stressful experiences in adolescence when assessing the role of psychological and social factors in development of risk for CVD. Andrew Fuligni concluded: "Although the frequency of some of these experiences may be low, they could have a significant impact upon long-term physical health during adulthood."

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Depression In Teens

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It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life. Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television, at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs. Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action.

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