Quarantine due to Covid-19 Impacted Brain Structure. Which Age Group Was Most Affected.

Quarantine Measures Promote Accelerated Brain Maturation in Adolescents

Researchers from the University of Washington conducted a study confirming that the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions contributed to the accelerated maturation of the brain in adolescents. In particular, it was found that girls exhibited more pronounced changes, indicating greater vulnerability of the female brain. Scientists emphasize that this may affect the mental health and behavioral reactions of adolescents due to isolation.

The accelerated maturation of the brain may increase the risk of developing neuro-psychological disorders. Therefore, it is important to continue monitoring and supporting adolescents who experienced the pandemic. The teenage years are a period of significant social-emotional development, and social isolation negatively impacted the mental health of adolescents, researchers note.

Noticeable Changes in Girls' Brains

The study revealed various changes in the brain structure of adolescents before and after the pandemic. Girls showed more noticeable changes. The average duration of accelerated maturation was 4.2 years for girls and 1.4 years for boys. These results indicate the impact of stress related to the pandemic on the brains of adolescents, particularly girls' brains.

Conclusions Regarding the Origin of the Coronavirus

Additionally, the House of Representatives Committee in the USA conducted an investigation and concluded that the coronavirus likely has a laboratory origin and spread through a leak from a laboratory in Wuhan. The report also criticizes the effectiveness of measures aimed at mitigating the effects of Covid-19, such as social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing. It is noted that prolonged lockdowns harmed both the American economy and the physical and mental health of citizens, particularly young people.

A new subvariant of the coronavirus Omicron has been identified in Ukraine, which spreads faster and has unique biological characteristics. However, vaccines remain effective against it.