KOLOA, HAWAII -- The earlier onset of puberty, combined with a fairly delayed set of processes that underpin cognitive development, might represent a key framework for understanding the risky behavior of adolescents, Dr. Ronald E. Dahl said at the annual meeting of the American College of Psychiatrists.

It has been clear for some time that the hormonal surges that lead to puberty are beginning earlier. However, the maturation of cognitive control and the capacity to regulate behavior are still developing throughout adolescence and into early adulthood--a fact that poses new affective challenges for young people. This creates a maturational gap that leads to extra burdens ...