Brain Science Insights From Infancy to Adolescence

Monday, April 10, 2023

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Location: A412 GWCC

Presenter(s)

Mir M. Ali, PhD

Health Economist
US Department of Health & Human Services
Washington, DC
Kristen M. Gilliland, Ph.D.

Director of Outreach and Advocacy Programs
Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt Medical School Basic Sciences
Franklin, Tennessee

Moderator(s)

John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Consultant
Physician
East Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN

Understanding brain development informs our efforts to respond to the opioid and addiction epidemic. This session will feature two examples of neurodevelopmental science being used to guide prevention and treatment.

The first presentation will examine the impact of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during the prenatal period on child outcomes. Little is known about how prenatal MOUD treatment influences outcomes for mothers and their children, and this is particularly important given federal and state policy initiatives to expand prenatal MOUD and address the needs of infants with prenatal opioid exposure. Using a large Medicaid database on mother-child dyads, presenters will examine the association between receipt of prenatal MOUD and birth, mental health, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born to mothers with OUD.

The second presentation will shift to primary prevention in adolescence. Depression and anxiety during adolescence are common reasons why teens and young adults begin experimenting with and/or misusing drugs or alcohol. The presenter will explain an innovative program designed to educate middle and high school-aged students about their developing brain and how to effectively deal with stress and anxiety by utilizing their brain’s extraordinary neuroplasticity. The program includes an all-encompassing website for teachers, children, and parents featuring a documentary film, as well as short amusing educational videos. The program is designed for young learners and requires no previous neuroscience knowledge from students or teachers.

Learning Objectives:

Describe health outcomes in infants (through one year after birth) of mothers with treated prenatal OUD compared to infants of mothers with untreated prenatal OUD, including preterm birth and low birthweight birth
Describe healthcare utilization in infants (through one year after birth) of mothers with treated prenatal OUD compared to infants of mothers with untreated prenatal OUD, including recommended well-child, emergency department, and inpatient visits
Describe mental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children as they near school age (i.e., between four and five years of age) of mothers with treated prenatal OUD compared to children of mothers with untreated prenatal OUD
Explain the significant changes that take place in the adolescent brain and how drug use can have deleterious effects on the brain's development
Describe how neuroplasticity can build and strengthen positive connections in the adolescent brain through constructive thoughts, behaviors, and actions and the minimization of high-risk activities, such as drug use
Describe how to utilize simple mindfulness tools with your children or students to minimize anxiety and stress, and strengthen self-compassion and self-love, as a means of substance use disorder prevention