The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

'Brain fingerprinting' of adolescents might be able to predict mental health problems down the line

  • Written by Daniel Hermens, Professor of Youth Mental Health & Neurobiology, University of the Sunshine Coast
'Brain fingerprinting' of adolescents might be able to predict mental health problems down the line

Despite the best efforts of clinicians and researchers for decades, we still do not fully know why some people develop mental disorders and others do not. However, changes in the brain are very likely our best clues to future mental health outcomes.

The adolescent brain is particularly important in this pursuit as changes during this period are rapid and dynamic[1], sculpting our individual uniqueness. Furthermore, most mental disorders emerge[2] during adolescence, with more than half occurring by 14 years of age, and three quarters by age 25.

By monitoring and tracking brain changes as they happen, we can tackle emerging mental health problems in adolescence and target early treatment. The challenge is accurately predicting the likelihood of a person developing a mental disorder, well before it happens.

We are researchers with the world-first Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study (LABS). We have been tracking adolescent brain development, using MRI scans, for several years. Our recent paper[3] is the first to show the uniqueness of an adolescent’s brain (or their “brain fingerprint[4]”) can predict mental health outcomes.

Brain fingerprinting could be the future of mental disorder prevention, allowing us to identify signs of concern in teenagers through brain imaging, and intervene early before illness develops.

Read more: Brain activity is as unique – and identifying – as a fingerprint[5]

Our unique brains in action

Just as fingerprints are unique, each human brain has a unique profile of signals between brain regions that become more individual and specialised[6] as people age.

To date, our study involves 125 participants, from 12 years of age, with over 500 brain scans among them. Our research captures brain and mental health development in adolescents over five years. It uses four-monthly brain imaging (MRI[7] and EEG[8]), and psychological and cognitive assessments.

We looked at each individual’s functional connectome[9] – their brain’s system of neural pathways in action. We discovered that how unique these characteristics are is significantly associated with new psychological distress[10] reported at the time of subsequent scans four months later. In other words, the level of uniqueness seems to be predictive of a mental health outcome.

The MRI scans were undertaken during a resting state[11], as opposed to task-based functional MRI. It still tells us a lot about brain activity, such as how the brain keeps connections running or gets ready to do something. You could compare this to a mechanic, listening to a engine idling before it’s taken for a drive.

In the 12-year-olds we studied, we found unique functional whole-brain connectomes do exist. But a more specific network – involved in controlling goal-directed behaviour[12] – is less unique in early adolescence. In other words, this network is still quite similar across different people.

We found the extent of its uniqueness can predict anxiety and depression symptoms that emerge later. So those with less unique brains had higher levels of distress down the line.

group of teens outside
If we can predict the chance of future psychological distress, maybe we can prevent it. Unsplash/Tim Mossholder, CC BY[13][14]

Read more: We've been tracking young people's mental health since 2006. COVID has accelerated a worrying decline[15]

Rich insights

We suspect the level of maturation in this brain network – the part that involves executive control or goal-directed behaviours – may provide a biological explanation for why some teens are at increased vulnerability of mental distress. It may be that delays in the “fine tuning” of such executive function networks lead to increased mental health issues.

By doing brains scans and other assessments at regular intervals – up to 15 times for each participant – LABS not only provides fine-grained information about adolescent brain development, but it can also better pinpoint the emergence and onset of mental ill health.

Our approach allows us to better establish the occurrence and sequence of changes in the brain (and in behaviours, lifestyle factors, thinking) and mental health risks and problems.

In addition to unique brain signatures to predict psychological distress, we expect there will be other ways (using machine learning[16]) we can interpret information about a person’s brain. This will get us closer to accurately predicting their mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Data rich, studies over a long time period are the key to finding this “holy grail” of neuroscience.

Identifying mental health risk in teenagers means we may be able to intervene before adulthood, when many mental health disorders become embedded and more difficult to resolve.

girl walks outside near trees Our research suggests brain uniqueness plays a role in teen mental health. Unsplash/Jake Ingle, CC BY[17][18]

Read more: How you can talk to your toddler to safeguard their well-being when they grow into a teenager[19]

Worth it

This vision for the future of mental health care offers hope in the wake of recent statistics from the 2020–21 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing[20]. They revealed two in five Australians aged 16 to 24 had a mental disorder within the previous year, the highest rate of any age group. This is a jump of 50% since the last national survey in 2007.

With A$11 billion spent[21] on mental health-related services in Australia every year, better prevention via early detection should be an urgent priority.

References

  1. ^ dynamic (www.apa.org)
  2. ^ emerge (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  3. ^ paper (www.sciencedirect.com)
  4. ^ brain fingerprint (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ Brain activity is as unique – and identifying – as a fingerprint (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ become more individual and specialised (www.sciencedirect.com)
  7. ^ MRI (en.wikipedia.org)
  8. ^ EEG (en.wikipedia.org)
  9. ^ functional connectome (en.wikipedia.org)
  10. ^ psychological distress (en.wikipedia.org)
  11. ^ resting state (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  12. ^ goal-directed behaviour (www.sciencedirect.com)
  13. ^ Unsplash/Tim Mossholder (images.unsplash.com)
  14. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  15. ^ We've been tracking young people's mental health since 2006. COVID has accelerated a worrying decline (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ machine learning (link.springer.com)
  17. ^ Unsplash/Jake Ingle (images.unsplash.com)
  18. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  19. ^ How you can talk to your toddler to safeguard their well-being when they grow into a teenager (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (www.abs.gov.au)
  21. ^ A$11 billion spent (www.aihw.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/brain-fingerprinting-of-adolescents-might-be-able-to-predict-mental-health-problems-down-the-line-187765

The Times Features

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the ...

The Role of a Family Dentist: Why Every Household Needs One

source A family dentist isn’t like your regular dentist who may specialise in a particular age group and whom you visit only when something goes wrong. A family dentist takes proa...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping