Study reveals pandemic's greater impact on teen girls' mental health and brain development

A University of Washington study found that teen girls were more negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic than boys. Girls' brains aged 4.2 years beyond expected rates, while boys' brains aged 1.2 years more than predicted. The study indicated that girls experienced more thinning in brain areas linked to social interactions, which may increase their risk of anxiety and depression. Researchers noted the importance of mental health support for teens during this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a rise in mental health issues among children and teens during the pandemic, particularly among girls. Emergency room visits for conditions like eating disorders tripled for teen girls nationwide.