Neural systems underlying motivated behavior in adolescence: implications for preventive medicine

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychopathology

Background:

• Adolescence presents heightened vulnerability to risk-taking and psychopathology due to increased independence.
• Neurodevelopmental changes during adolescence may underlie increased risk-taking and the emergence of mental health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify neurodevelopmental processes linked to adolescent risk-taking and psychopathology.
• Discuss implications for prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of developmental and contextual factors influencing neural systems (threat, reward, cognitive control).
• Analysis through the lens of the Triadic Neural Systems Model of motivated behavior.

Main Results:

• Neuroimaging indicates neurodevelopmental and contextual factors shift the functional equilibrium of the Triadic Neural Systems.
• This shift may contribute to negative outcomes in adolescent risk behavior.
• The equilibrium's sensitivity to social and appetitive contexts can be leveraged for prevention.

Conclusions:

• Understanding neural circuit development in adolescence informs research on risk-taking.
• Identifying factors influencing motivational neural circuits can yield novel prevention targets, such as incentive-based interventions.