child Topic 2- Pre Adult Brain Development

Question 1

What does topic 2 focus on

Answer 1

Pre adult brain development (bio)

Question 2

What is the key research and supporting studies for topic 2

Answer 2

Key: Barkley- Levenson and Galvan (neural representation of expected value in adolescent brain) supporting: synaptic pruning, san Mauro Martin et al, De Bellis, Graduated driving licences

Question 3

Outline the research around synaptic pruning

Answer 3

Synaptogenisis occurs where new synapses are formed between neurones when axons and dendrites grow towards each other. More synapses are produced than necessary but after 3 years synaptic loss occurs (use it or loose it) and neurones used most often strengthen synapses and inactive ones are pruned. Pruning creates localisation and the neurones that remain become myelinated to be more efficient

Question 4

Outline supporting research by Sam Mauro Martin

Answer 4

Found lack of omega 3 is associated with adhd and impulsiveness. Did cross sectional study of 60 children all with adhd from Madrid in Spain aged 6-16 (41 boys, 18 girls) they were put into 4 groups control, Mediterranean diet, just omega 3, omega 3 and med diet for 8 weeks. They were tested using the barratt impulsiveness scale 11 and found the only group to score lower on bis 11 was the omega 3 only group

Question 5

Outline supporting research by debellis

Answer 5

Suggested neurotransmitters and hormones are released during stressful experiences that may damage the prefrontal control system and also reduces influence on ventral striatum, resulting in more risk taking behaviour. They did MRIs on 44 children and adolescents with PTSD following maltreatment. Found decrease in area of corpus callosum, males had smaller corpus callosum and brain vol than females. Earlier abuse and longer duration correlates with smaller intercranial vol

Question 6

Outline supporting research on graduated driving licences

Answer 6

Already in place in AUS, NZ, NI and US. After intro in NZ, car crash injuries reduced by 23% for 15-29 year olds and 16 year olds in US had 37% fewer crashes. Based on the fact adolescences have heightened reward control (ventral striatum) and poor impulse control (pfc). Also fact arousal higher with friends. Involves (no passengers under age of 20, no driving at night, no blood alcohol)

Question 7

Outline the key research by Barkley- levenson and galvan

Answer 7

The aim was to find out if there’s a difference in neural activity between adolescent and adult brains when given risk taking scenarios, with different expected values. Participants were 19 adults (right handed) aged 25-30 from the us (11f, 8m) and 22 adolescent (right handed) aged 13-17 from the us (11f, 11m) obtained through a poster and internet ad from the uni of California as well as from data base form previous research. Consent gained from parents or themselves and they were screened for metal, metal and neurological issues. Ps had an intake session with a practice mri and gave info about their income. A week later, in MRI they completed neuroimaging session where they completed computerised gambling task with 192 trails and decide on 4 point scale from reject to accept and told they have £20 (win 20 or lose 20) saw a spinner with 2 gambles and had 24 win win trials, 24 lose lose and 144 mixed gambles. Found both had similar judgments for win win and lose lose and increase in expected value increased gamble but adolescents more likely to accept higher EVs. Found ventral striatum more active in adolescents , decrease in amygdala (fear)

Question 8

App: Method to reduce risk taking behaviour using knowledge of brain dev

Answer 8

1. Give children omega 3 2. Model non risky behaviour. 3. Create GDL