An international research team is conducting ongoing studies of brain functional imaging in adolescents. They have discovered 40 factors that can help predict whether a teenager will become a sommelier with an accuracy of 70%. Researchers use brain imaging techniques to measure brain activity and structure. Simultaneous blood tests, cognitive performance analysis, and IQ and personality tests were also used to assess. The test was conducted in 2,400 volunteers in eight regions in Europe. Participants started tracking tests at the age of 14.
The new study, published in the journal Nature, confirmed that some of the markers found in the first phase of the study could be used to predict adolescent alcoholism. The American University associate professor of psychiatry from Vermont explained at the press conference that some of the predictors include: family history of alcohol use, stressful events, personality, sensation seeking traits, lack of accountability, drinking at the age of 14 and a bigger head and many more. During adolescence, it is the key to brain shaping. Most of the gray matter, neurons and connections become smaller and the white matter is getting bigger and bigger. If children have immature brains, it is easier to form alcoholism. ”
Dr. Robert Whelan, a psychiatrist at the University of Dublin in Ireland, said that one of the objectives of this study is to “build a model to better understand the structure and function of the brain. Understanding the relative roles of personality, environmental impact, and genetics for alcohol Abuse of adolescent development." "This work will be used for early development interventions to reduce the incidence of adolescent addiction. We now propose to expand the analysis of the data to explore developments under other environmental factors."