The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurobiological functioning in adolescents

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Conflicts of Interest

Identified Weaknesses

Rating Explanation

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Paper Summary

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Pandemic Stress Messes with Teen Brains (and Hormones and Immune Systems)

This study compared adolescents assessed before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns and found differences in stress hormones, inflammation, and brain activity during reward processing and emotion regulation. Post-lockdown teens had lower total cortisol, higher inflammation, and less prefrontal cortex activity. The sample was primarily White and of higher socioeconomic status, limiting generalizability.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Weaknesses

Limited Sample Diversity

The sample was primarily White and from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, so the findings might not apply to all adolescents. It is crucial to study more diverse groups to understand the full impact of the pandemic.

Limited Generalizability

The sample size was small for neuroimaging, and the data was not normally distributed in the biological and neurobiological indicators, potentially affecting the statistical validity of the findings. Larger and more diverse studies should be conducted to address these concerns.

Cross-Sectional Comparison

The comparison involves two independent groups from a longitudinal study, but the results are still cross-sectional. Although the study design and statistical methods aimed to control for confounding variables, it is impossible to establish definitive causal links between the pandemic and the neurobiological changes without longitudinal or interventional studies.

Sensitivity to Stress Systems

The findings on cortisol levels, inflammation, and neural functioning could also be attributed to early life stress. The study controlled for early life stress; however, there may be other early life factors affecting stress that need to be examined.

Rating Explanation

This study provides valuable insights into the multi-system biological impact of the pandemic on adolescents. The comprehensive approach examining endocrine, immune, and neural systems is a major strength. However, limitations regarding sample diversity, generalizability, and the cross-sectional nature of the comparison prevent a higher rating. Replication with larger, diverse cohorts will strengthen these initial findings.

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