March 31 st, 2011. Reasoning / Judgment / Motivation Ability to: control impulses and postpone...
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Transcript of March 31 st, 2011. Reasoning / Judgment / Motivation Ability to: control impulses and postpone...
Prefrontal cortexthe “Chief Executive”
Reasoning / Judgment / Motivation
Ability to:control impulses and postpone
gratificationplan ahead / foresee consequencesinhibit / regulate emotionsevaluate behavior (one’s own or others’)understand others’ positionsmake wise choices (evaluating risk vs.
reward)handle social pressures
The Developing Frontal Lobes in Adolescence
Difficulty foreseeing consequences Difficulty planning or setting priorities
(making wise choices) Difficulty postponing gratification /
controlling impulses High pleasure / reward / novelty seeking High risk-taking behavior Exaggerated black and white thinking
(safe vs. unsafe) Heightened emotional reactions, fantasy
life Difficulty handling social pressures
Risk Assessment: Mortality
Risk Estimate Actual
Die from any cause (crime, illness, accident, etc.) in the next year?
18.6% 0.08%
Die from any cause (crime, illness, accident, etc.) by age 20?
20.3% 0.4%
Fischhoff, B., Assessing adolescent decision-making competence, Developmental Review, #28, 2008
What makes the brain “hot”
Heightened emotion Anger Jealousy Fear Sexual arousal
Intoxication Peer “pressure” Impulsivity –
immediate gratification
Why Kids Get High
Peer acceptanceInclusion/Attention / Status / Confidence (social)
Coping strategyTo alter feelings / experiences
Experimentation / curiosity / rebellion
What kids are using Alcohol Marijuana Prescription medication
Pain medications: OxyContin, Vicodin, Percodan
Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium Sleep medications: Ambien , Lunesta ADHD medications: Ritalin , Adderall
Heroin Cocaine OTC cold medication (“triple C’s”) Inhalants Club drugs (particularly Ecstasy) New fads (Four Loko, bath salts)