How does our frontal lobe evolve?
The brain's largest lobe has expanded in size throughout human evolution. The frontal lobe begins developing after conception and continues until you reach adulthood. As you learn to walk and talk, the frontal lobe makes more connections and stronger synapses are made. (7) The most rapid change in the frontal lobe occurs before adolescence, when neuron growth surges. The prefrontal cortex changes slowly during this time, and as the brain's myelin matures, it connects all regions of the brain together. This late growth is most likely the reason teens could engage in high-risk behaviors even though they understand the dangers. (17)
DID YOU KNOW?
The prefrontal lobe is the last section of the brain to develop, and doesn't finish developing until age 25. (10)
DID YOU KNOW?
The prefrontal lobe is the last section of the brain to develop, and doesn't finish developing until age 25. (10)
The Teenage Frontal Lobe
Have you ever thought about what really goes on in the teenage brain? The process of brain development in adolescence is very different than in children. The frontal lobe, an important part of the brain, is not fully connected. This is because the nerve cells don't have much of the myelin, fatty tissue surrounding nerves, that adults have in this area. Nerves need myelin for quick nerve signals. (27) This means that teens are going to access it at a slower rate. It explains why some teens have bad judgement, and make bad decisions. Remember the frontal lobe controls(12):
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Limbic system structures also play a part, they mature before the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, this explains why teens engage in risky situations, and seem disorganized. (28) If development in the frontal lobe fails to occur, then it could lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorders or other problems. This can affect concentration and decision-making skills. Drug-use, premature birth, and brain injury can affect how this area develops.
Adults can use rational processes when facing emotional decisions, but teenagers are not ready to think through things in the same way.
This irrational way of thinking may lead to bad choices, like drugs and alcohol abuse. Teenagers want to make their own decisions. All the choices they make, good or bad, are a part of them exploring the world which will later prepare them to confront the world on their own.
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies have shown that a teenager who smokes pot will show cognitive deficits days later. An adult who smokes the same dose will return to cognitive baseline much faster.
Alcohol
Teenagers sometimes make bad choices and start drinking underage. Even though adults drink more frequently than teens, teens tend to drink larger quantities. This is very bad for their developing brain. It responds more differently to alcohol than an adult's brain. Teens also have a greater risk of addition later in life if they start drinking at this period. (28)
Adults can use rational processes when facing emotional decisions, but teenagers are not ready to think through things in the same way.
This irrational way of thinking may lead to bad choices, like drugs and alcohol abuse. Teenagers want to make their own decisions. All the choices they make, good or bad, are a part of them exploring the world which will later prepare them to confront the world on their own.
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies have shown that a teenager who smokes pot will show cognitive deficits days later. An adult who smokes the same dose will return to cognitive baseline much faster.
Alcohol
Teenagers sometimes make bad choices and start drinking underage. Even though adults drink more frequently than teens, teens tend to drink larger quantities. This is very bad for their developing brain. It responds more differently to alcohol than an adult's brain. Teens also have a greater risk of addition later in life if they start drinking at this period. (28)
Dopamine
Teens are most sensitive to influences by friends and emotions. One major reason to why teens are sometimes badly influenced is because of the presence of a neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Dopamine is released by the brain and makes us feel good, whether it's receiving a compliment or making someone smile. During adolescence, dopamine levels peak and sometimes this "feel good" response results in them giving in to impulsive desires.
All of these processes help explain the sometimes irrational and unpredictable decisions and actions that the teenage brain can make.
Teens are most sensitive to influences by friends and emotions. One major reason to why teens are sometimes badly influenced is because of the presence of a neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Dopamine is released by the brain and makes us feel good, whether it's receiving a compliment or making someone smile. During adolescence, dopamine levels peak and sometimes this "feel good" response results in them giving in to impulsive desires.
All of these processes help explain the sometimes irrational and unpredictable decisions and actions that the teenage brain can make.
Keep in mind that no matter what changes your brain is going through, you still have the tools to make the best decisions.