Healthy Mind Science

Neurobiology and Physiology of Adolescent Depression: Insights from Undergraduate Researchers Morgan Johnson & Grace LaJoie

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, undergraduate researchers Grace LaJoie and Morgan Johnson share their journeys into mental health research, focusing on adolescent depression, stress regulation, and brain development. They discuss their innovative studies on hippocampal volume, autonomic nervous system, and the impact of stress, offering practical insights for parents, educators, and fellow researchers. Discussion Topics include:  * How Grace & Morgan became interested in research * Adolescent depression and neurobiological risk factors * The role of hippocampal volume in depression * Stress exposure and its impact on youth mental health * Autonomic nervous system and depression prediction * Research process and challenges * Reflections on completing an Honors Thesis  Connect with Grace LaJoie on LinkedIn   [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-lajoie/] Connect with host, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-sepulveda/]  Follow the Center for Healthy Mind and Mood on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-and-mood/]  http://healthymindandmood.com/

Research on the Risks and Benefits of Social Media Use and Mental Health with Associate Professor and Pediatrician, Dr. Jason Nagata

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, we interview Dr. Jason Nagata, Pediatrician and Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco.  We delve into the complex relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health, drawing insights from recent studies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for parents, educators, and teens alike, as we navigate the digital landscape and evolving technologies together. We'll explore both the risks and benefits of social media, equipping you with knowledge to make informed decisions. Practical takeaways are shared for parents and educators who work with teens to understand risks, benefits, support open communication, and promote critical thinking.  Studies discussed:  * Nagata JM, Otmar CD, Shim J, et al. Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e2511704. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11704 [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2834349] * Nagata, J. M., Huang, O., Hur, J. O., Li, E. J., Helmer, C. K., Weinstein, E., & Moreno, M. A. (2024). Health Benefits of Social Media Use in Adolescents and Young Adults. Current pediatrics reports, 13(1), 22. https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.com%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1007%2Fs40124-025-00357-7__%3B!!LQC6Cpwp!uKmPd9cj1GqkzB_vqHpEiLBjRAdowuwkqQneAziiDOPtE1AcFvdnOn-uLHx_5uptasa9QG-5yRJEbmPKykHTalgTDW9AW8PiXs4%24&data=05%7C02%7CAlicia.Sepulveda%40Colorado.EDU%7C9ee1c601768046fc0b5508de5e9488e1%7C3ded8b1b070d462982e4c0b019f46057%7C1%7C0%7C639052189222500194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=H7aCfdbUkYp1NDJvlCZ6t3TXGILvIcLrv6beqKUvQwc%3D&reserved=0https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-025-00357-7 [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.com%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1007%2Fs40124-025-00357-7__%3B!!LQC6Cpwp!uKmPd9cj1GqkzB_vqHpEiLBjRAdowuwkqQneAziiDOPtE1AcFvdnOn-uLHx_5uptasa9QG-5yRJEbmPKykHTalgTDW9AW8PiXs4%24&data=05%7C02%7CAlicia.Sepulveda%40Colorado.EDU%7C9ee1c601768046fc0b5508de5e9488e1%7C3ded8b1b070d462982e4c0b019f46057%7C1%7C0%7C639052189222500194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=H7aCfdbUkYp1NDJvlCZ6t3TXGILvIcLrv6beqKUvQwc%3D&reserved=0] Follow Dr. Jason Nagata on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nagata-770547a/] Check out the Family Media Plan from the American Academy of Pediatrics [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx?_gl=1*3asdh2*_ga*MTQ0ODE2OTI4Mi4xNjkyMzkyMTAz*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTY5MjM5MjEwMi4xLjAuMTY5MjM5MjEwMy4wLjAuMA..&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=69654055&gbraid=0AAAAADyMpZEHh-J8JyagMx7mDEsv5VMFo&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-Okuvelm1hS2_ucVsB3WRZqsyNgdv5BaFmhpqMNArS5e4-z0rVeDMNYaAmuFEALw_wcB] UCSF Pediatrics  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucsfpediatrics/] Connect with host, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-sepulveda/]  Follow the Center for Healthy Mind and Mood on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-and-mood/]  http://healthymindandmood.com/ [http://healthymindandmood.com/]

Research to Understand the Complex Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Suicidality Among Youth with Clinical Psychology & Neuroscience PhD Student, Elisa Stern

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, we interview Elisa Stern, a PhD student in clinical psychology and neuroscience, about her research on the associations between cannabis use and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents. They discuss the complexities of mental health, addiction, and the impact of policy changes on youth. The conversation delves into the study's methodology, findings, and implications for parents and educators, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of substance use and mental health in young people. Read the article: Stern, E. F., Ellingson, J. M., Schaefer, J. D., Hinckley, J. D., Stallings, M. C., Corley, R. P., Hopfer, C., Wall, T. L., & Rhee, S. H. (2025). Associations between cannabis use frequency and suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A clinical longitudinal sibling study. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 22, 100620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2025.100620 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853225000380 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853225000380] Takeaways -Elisa Stern's research is focused on understanding youth vulnerability to substance use and mental health issues. -The study examines the relationship between cannabis use and suicidality in adolescents. -Cannabis use is often treated as a moral issue rather than a public health concern. -The study utilized a genetically informed design comparing siblings to control for shared vulnerabilities. -Findings suggest that cannabis use does not independently predict suicidality in high-risk youth. -Substance use patterns should be viewed in the context of broader behavioral vulnerabilities. -Parents and educators should not oversimplify the risks associated with cannabis use. -The relationship between cannabis use and suicidality is complex and influenced by various factors. -Understanding the context of substance use is crucial for effective intervention. -Future research is needed to explore the evolving landscape of substance use among adolescents. Connect with guest, Elisa Stern on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-stern-213ba7b1/] Connect with host, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-sepulveda/]  Follow the Center for Healthy Mind and Mood on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-and-mood/]  http://healthymindandmood.com/

Research Understanding Executive Function and Depression in Young Adults with Quynh Nguyen

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, host Dr. Alicia Sepulveda speaks with PhD student Quynh Nguyen about the intricate relationship between executive functioning, stress generation, and depression in young adults. They explore how understanding these connections can inform strategies for prevention and intervention, particularly in the context of youth mental health. The conversation delves into the findings of Quynh's research study, which examines the mechanisms linking poor executive functioning to depression symptoms through stress generation and repetitive negative thinking. The discussion emphasizes the importance of teaching coping strategies and behavioral skills to help young people manage stress and improve their mental health outcomes. Takeaways * Understanding risk factors for depression is crucial for prevention. * Reward learning is essential for maintaining positive behaviors. * Repetitive negative thinking is a significant predictor of depression. * Teaching coping strategies can mitigate the effects of poor executive functioning. * Interventions should focus on behavioral skills rather than cognitive training. * Young adults are particularly vulnerable to stress and mental health issues. * Stress controllability may influence how individuals perceive and react to stressors. * Early intervention is key to helping young people develop necessary skills. * The distinction between rumination and worry is important in understanding mental health. To read the article:  Nguyen, Q. D., Kaiser, R. H., & Snyder, H. R. (2025). Stress generation and subsequent repetitive negative thinking link poor executive functioning and depression. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 38(4), 394–408. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2025.2450308 [https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2025.2450308]  Connect with host, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-sepulveda/] Follow the Center for Healthy Mind and Mood on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-and-mood/] Website: Center for Healthy Mind and Mood [https://www.colorado.edu/center/mindandmood/]

Examining Stress, Risk, and Resilience of Mood Disorders in the Adolescent Brain with Neuroscientist Dr. Ambra Coccaro

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, we interview neuroscientist and researcher, Dr. Ambra Coccaro. Dr. Ambra Coccaro is a Post Doctoral Researcher at University of Colorado Boulder in the Institute of Cognitive Science and the RADD Lab (Research on Affective Disorders and Development). Check out the study: Coccaro, A., Cheng, Z., Ruzic, L., Moser, A. D., Jones, J., Peterson, E. C., Stern, E. F., Friedman, N. P., & Kaiser, R. H. (2025). Neurocognitive Biotypes of Risk and Resilience for Mood Disorders in Adolescents: Insights From Behavioral and Graph-Theoretic Network Markers. Biological psychiatry global open science, 5(6), 100563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsgos.2025.100563 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsgos.2025.100563]  Center for Healthy Mind and Mood website [https://www.colorado.edu/center/mindandmood/] Connect with the Center on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mind-and-mood/] Connect with host, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-sepulveda/]  Connect with guest, Dr. Ambra Coccaro  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambra-coccaro-9b6744180/]