College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Keywords
vaping, electronic cigarettes, pediatrics, mental health diagnoses, neurology, behavioral
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Vaping has significantly increased among U.S. adolescents, driven by the rise of e-cigarettes and flavored pods. Nicotine exposure during brain development is linked to changes in the limbic-dopaminergic system, white matter integrity, and increased risk of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality are reported among adolescent users, with greater symptom severity seen in those with high vaping dependence. Though studies show correlation rather than causation, findings suggest vaping may contribute to rising mental health diagnoses. Addressing vaping’s neurological and psychological impact is critical to guiding prevention efforts, regulatory policies, and support for at-risk youth.
Disciplines
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Chemicals and Drugs | Family Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nervous System | Neurology | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Pediatrics | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Substance Abuse and Addiction
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Family Medicine Commons, Nervous System Commons, Neurology Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
Is the Vaping Epidemic Linked to Neurologic Changes and Mental Health Diagnoses Amongst US Adolescents?
Vaping has significantly increased among U.S. adolescents, driven by the rise of e-cigarettes and flavored pods. Nicotine exposure during brain development is linked to changes in the limbic-dopaminergic system, white matter integrity, and increased risk of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality are reported among adolescent users, with greater symptom severity seen in those with high vaping dependence. Though studies show correlation rather than causation, findings suggest vaping may contribute to rising mental health diagnoses. Addressing vaping’s neurological and psychological impact is critical to guiding prevention efforts, regulatory policies, and support for at-risk youth.
