The Cause of Mental Illness in Adolescents

Sarah Patterson

There are many factors that can impact if and how a young person develops a mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. My research explores which factors may have this influence. One study I read about focused on how the development of a child affects their mental health. It was found that environmental factors, such as poverty or enduring hardships as a child, correlates with accelerated maturation along with stress and, therefore, there is a greater risk of developing mental health issues. Another study I reviewed examined the relation between the Alexithymic trait and an adolescents’ developing depression or generalized anxiety disorder. The Alexithymic trait is the inability to identify emotions in others or oneself. Finally, a third research article discussed the idea that when first transitioning into poverty, a child is at greater risk of developing mental health problems. From this research, a better understanding of mental illnesses can be achieved and stigmas can be replaced with accurate information. I will pursue the Ingenuity Research Practicum and will be mentored by Dr. Jacky Jennings, in the Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.