Adolescent social isolation induces sex-specific behavioral and neural alterations.

According to a preprint abstract, social isolation during adolescence can have negative effects on mental health, particularly for girls. The study used male and female mice to investigate the role of biological factors in this vulnerability. The findings showed that both genders experienced depressive and anxiety-like traits, but with varying degrees and in different behavioral domains. Social isolation also affected immune activation and brain plasticity in both sexes. The study highlights the significant impact of social experiences during adolescence on neurodevelopment, with sex-specific differences observed at behavioral and physiological levels. However, it is important to note that this research has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]