Opioid gene variant in adolescents reduces reward, may increase later substance abuse risk

Adolescents with a particular variant of an opioid receptor gene have less response in a part of prefrontal cortex that evaluates rewards, compared to those with the other version of the gene, say researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC). For the study, presented Monday at Neuroscience 2018, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (abstract #7517), the investigators […]

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Study finds physical, emotional abuse can dampen young adults’ earnings

Experiencing physical or emotional abuse in childhood can measurably reduce the wages of young adults, according to a study conducted in South Africa by an international research team, including Dr. Xiangming Fang of the School of Public Health at Georgia State University. On average, the researchers found that child maltreatment was associated with a 12 percent loss of wages for […]

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Americans view child abuse and neglect as a serious public health problem

A strong majority of Americans view child abuse and neglect as a public health problem in the United States, a sentiment shared across populations with 81% of Hispanics, 76% of non-Hispanic whites, 74% of African-Americans and 67% of Asians in agreement, according to a new survey commissioned by Research!America and the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN). […]

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Dating Violence: General Information

Dating can be an important part of growing up. It can help us learn communication skills and can help us determine what we are looking for in a partner. However, dating can also be stressful, and communication with a girlfriend or boyfriend can be difficult. Some teens find themselves in relationships where violence/abuse (emotional, physical, or both) is present. This […]

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Dating Violence: Stopping Abuse

How to stop being abusive in a relationship It can be very hard to recognize or admit that you’re having trouble behaving well in a relationship. Some things you might feel if you’re having problems include: Anger Jealousy Feeling out of control Wanting to hurt your partner Something your partner does makes you feel violent You feel like you need to […]

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