Concussion and Pituitary Dysfunction

Pituitary dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a possible complication of concussion. The hypothalamus and pituitary may be susceptible to shearing forces that are common in concussion. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is critical in adolescent development, and it also plays an important role in normal adult functioning. Pituitary dysfunction can lead to symptoms of depression, lethargy, poor libido, impaired concentration, and decreased problem-solving ability; all of these symptoms are commonly observed in individuals with post-concussion persistent symptoms from other causes. Therefore, in individuals who present with persistent symptoms following concussion, pituitary dysfunction should be considered and managed appropriately.

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior: Implications for Prevention & Treatment in Youth

The average age of first use of alcohol for teen boys is 11 and 13 for teen girls. The average age of first exposure to pornography is 9. More teens are suffering from depression than any other time in our history due to too much screen time. Cyberbullying peaks in the 6th grade. What is happening in our culture and to our children’s neurodevelopment as a result of it? Engaging in high-risk behavior as a teen increases the chance of struggling with addiction as an adult by up to 90% due neurodevelopmental exposure and priming of the mesolimbic reward system. The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior elucidates how substances and other risky behavior, such as technology overuse, affect healthy neurodevelopment and how these effects impair adult functioning as well as implications for prevention and treatment. Practical, every-day parenting solutions and clinical techniques will be discussed.