Research indicates that the pandemic has significantly worsened mental health issues among teens, with lockdowns disrupting crucial developmental connections. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 20% of individuals aged 12 to 17 experienced a major depressive episode in 2022. The CDC notes that the rate of high school students reporting feelings of sadness and depression has increased since the pandemic began, although adolescent mental health was already on a downward trend.

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A recent study suggests that the pandemic may have also caused structural changes in the teenage brain, with the most pronounced effects observed in teenage girls compared to boys. If the pandemic has altered the structure of the teenage brain, what does this mean for current teens, and can these changes be reversed?

To explore these questions, Fortune spoke with Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz-Schwartz, a child psychiatrist from Connecticut and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

**Fortune:** This study suggests that the teenage brain aged more rapidly than usual during the pandemic. What might have caused this?

**Ortiz-Schwartz:** Exposure to trauma or severe conditions like neglect or war has been shown to accelerate brain maturation. This study observed teenage brains through MRIs, and with the onset of the pandemic, continued to monitor these changes. The data indicate that this maturation was not beneficial; rather, the brain’s cortex became thinner in various areas, influenced by high levels of stress hormones.

**Fortune:** How do stress and adversity impact the aging of the teen brain, and why might this vary by gender?

**Ortiz-Schwartz:** The teenage brain undergoes significant development and is highly receptive to change. Adverse conditions accelerate survival mechanisms at the expense of more positive developmental aspects. Female brains, which are more socially oriented, also exhibit higher anxiety and depression levels. The lack of social interaction during the pandemic likely had a substantial impact on them.

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**Fortune:** Is accelerated brain aging due to stress always entirely negative?

**Ortiz-Schwartz:** While cortical maturation can be adaptive in stressful environments, focusing on survival mechanisms, it can detract from other aspects like attention and positive development. For children, accelerated maturity linked to stress often correlates with anxiety and depression, which is concerning.

**Fortune:** How can building resilience help counteract accelerated brain aging in teens?

**Ortiz-Schwartz:** Building resilience can also alleviate depression and anxiety by calming the amygdala, which is responsible for the stress response. Techniques like meditation, which are known to reduce chronic stress, can be beneficial.

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**Fortune:** What concrete steps can be taken to address accelerated brain aging in teens and reverse this trend?

**Ortiz-Schwartz:** It's crucial to create supportive environments for teenagers, addressing issues like bullying, the impact of social media, and providing mental health support in schools. Families also need support to enhance their children’s mental health. Teaching resilience, perseverance, and effective stress-regulation skills can turn negative experiences into growth opportunities. Stress reduction strategies, such as managing sleep, reducing social media use, and limiting screen time, are also important.

**Fortune:** Is it too late to reverse these changes?

**Ortiz-Schwartz:** The brain is adaptable and has the potential to return to a more normal state. Ideally, these teens should be reassessed in their mid-20s to evaluate whether the changes persist or if positive interventions have mitigated the effects. Moving forward, it’s crucial to focus on strategies that promote good mental health and prevent further toxic stress.