Why does adolescence is considered a crucial period?
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AbstractCortical growth and remodeling continues from birth through youth and adolescence to stable adult levels changing slowly into senescence. There are critical periods of cortical development when specific experiences drive major synaptic rearrangements and learning that only occur during the critical period. For example, visual cortex is characterized by a critical period of plasticity involved in establishing visual acuity. Adolescence is defined by characteristic behaviors that include high levels of risk taking, exploration, novelty and sensation seeking, social interaction and play behaviors. In addition, adolescence is the final period of development of the adult during which talents, reasoning and complex adult behaviors mature. This maturation of behaviors corresponds with periods of marked changes in neurogenesis, cortical synaptic remodeling, neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, as well as major changes in hormones. Frontal cortical development is later in adolescence and likely contributes to refinement of reasoning, goal and priority setting, impulse control and evaluating long and short term rewards. Adolescent humans have high levels of binge drinking and experimentation with other drugs. This review presents findings supporting adolescence as a critical period of cortical development important for establishing life long adult characteristics that are disrupted by alcohol and drug use. KeywordsAlcohol Adolescence Cortical development Binge drinking Critical period Cited by (0)Copyright © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. What makes adolescence the most crucial part in human growth and development?Adolescence is known for being a time for teens to assert their independence from family and begin to make decisions on their own. This is largely due to developmental changes in the brain that create significant advances in cognitive abilities.
What is the most crucial stage of human development?Recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the most important years in a child's development.
What is the most important during the adolescence period?Adolescents are also developing socially and emotionally during this time. The most important task of adolescence is the search for identity. (This is often a lifelong voyage, launched in adolescence.)
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