Dr. Douglas Williamson and his colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center are performing brain scans on 300 San Antonio children between the ages 12 to 15. Some of the children are at high risk for depression, and their tests may indicate increased sensitivity to events in their lives, and to fear and anger.
Williamson's team will follow these preteens for several years, and will collect data on their DNA and life styles. The researchers are hoping that early intervention with high-risk preteens will prevent later problems.
Besides depression, other risk factors for alcoholism are aggression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anti-social behavior, conduct disorder, and weak social relationships.
Labels: alcoholism, depression
Posted By: Aspen Education Group