Amidst rising concerns about mental health in adolescents, the role of social media (SM), particularly highly visual platforms such as TikTok, has become a growing focus of investigation. In the extant literature, conclusive evidence is limited by the aggregate analysis of very heterogeneous SM platforms. This systematic scoping review examines the relationship between TikTok and mental health in adolescents. Additionally, it aims to highlight potential interactions between typical developmental processes and the unique aspects of TikTok, exploring their relevance to mental health within this demographic. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and PsychINFO yielded 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 17,336 subjects from 10 countries. The retrieved studies analyzed four main topics related to TikTok use, i.e., the overall impact on adolescents’ mental health, risk of problematic use and behavioral addiction, consequences on body image and self-esteem, and possible spreading of mental illness behaviors. While TikTok offers creative opportunities for self-expression and peer connection, the literature raises concerns about its potential negative effects on teens, such as lower life satisfaction, increased risk of “contagion” of certain psychiatric symptoms, and problematic usage patterns. Significant variations in study methodologies and outcome measures were observed. In the current era of evolving SM landscapes, a comprehensive approach informed by developmentally grounded research is critically needed to further understand the interplay between SM and adolescent mental health, providing insights for health authorities and policymakers.

Background/Objectives: Water-soluble vitamins, comprising the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, are essential for normal growth, cellular metabolism, and immune function in pediatric populations. Due to limited storage in the body, these vitamins require consistent intake to prevent deficiencies. Pediatric populations, particularly infants and young children, face a heightened risk of both deficiency and, in rare cases, toxicity due to varying dietary intake and increased developmental needs. This review explores the clinical importance of water-soluble vitamins, focusing on hypo- and hypervitaminosis in children. Methods: A narrative review of the recent literature on the sources, recommended intakes, deficiency symptoms, and potential toxicities associated with each water-soluble vitamin was conducted. Results: Deficiencies in water-soluble vitamins can lead to diverse clinical outcomes, such as neurological, hematological, and immune-related symptoms, depending on the specific vitamin involved. Pediatric populations with increased nutritional needs, such as those experiencing rapid growth or with malabsorption conditions, are particularly vulnerable to vitamin insufficiencies. Conversely, although uncommon, excessive intake of certain water-soluble vitamins may cause mild toxicity, primarily gastrointestinal or neurological. Conclusions: Monitoring water-soluble vitamin levels and providing tailored nutritional support are critical to prevent the adverse effects of hypo- and hypervitaminosis in children. Further research is needed to refine pediatric nutritional guidelines and address the specific needs of young patients, supporting optimal health outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and tic disorders, comprise a range of conditions that originate in early childhood and impact cognitive, behavioral, and social functioning. Despite their clinical heterogeneity, they often share common molecular and neurobiological framework. This narrative review aims to examine the role of neurotrophins—particularly the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and related molecules—in the pathophysiology of NDDs, and to explore their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including both clinical and preclinical studies. Neurotrophins are critically involved in brain development, influencing neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. Dysregulation in their signaling pathways has been associated with core features of ASD and ADHD and may modulate cognitive outcomes in ID. Emerging evidence also supports a role for neuroimmune interactions and neurotrophic dysfunction in tic disorders. However, findings across studies remain inconsistent due to methodological variability and limited longitudinal data. Future research should aim for standardized methodologies and stratified, longitudinal designs to clarify their role across developmental stages and clinical phenotypes.

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. This condition is associated with debilitating symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, and infertility. Adolescents with endometriosis face unique challenges, as the disease is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for an average of 7–10 years due to its complex and multifactorial nature. Consequently, patients frequently suffer from worsening symptoms and significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. While there is no definitive cure for endometriosis, treatment approaches typically involve hormonal therapies, lifestyle adjustments (such as diet and exercise), and psychological support. Recent studies emphasize the profound impact of endometriosis on the mental health of adolescents, highlighting the need for a more holistic treatment approach that integrates both medical and psychological care. This narrative review explores the psychological and psychosocial effects of endometriosis in adolescents, examining the biological and psychological mechanisms linking the disease to mental health outcomes. It also discusses current therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and peer support, and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care to mitigate both the physical and emotional burdens of the condition. This integrated approach is critical in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for adolescents living with endometriosis.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS), characterized by an additional X-chromosome in males, manifests in a wide range of neuroendocrine and psychiatric symptoms. Individuals with KS often face increased risks of hormonal dysfunction, leading to depression and anxiety, although extended research during pediatric and adolescent age is still limited. This critical phase, decisive for KS children, is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and familial factors, which impact brain plasticity. In this report, we reviewed, in a narrative form, the crucial KS psychopathological hallmarks in children. To better describe neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children with KS, we presented the case of an 11-year-old prepubertal child with mosaic KS who was referred to our Center of Developmental Psychopathology due to a decline in his academic performance, excessive daytime fatigue and increased distractibility over the past few months. Family history revealed psychiatric conditions among first- and second-degree relatives, including recently divorced parents and a 15-year-old sister. Early-onset persistent depressive disorder and anxious traits were diagnosed. Timely identification of susceptible children, with thorough examination of familial psychiatric history, environmental influences and neurocognitive profile, alongside targeted interventions, could potentially mitigate lifelong psychopathology-related disabilities in pediatric and adolescent KS cases, including those with mosaic KS.

Background: Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), such as Turner syndrome (TS) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Pediatric patients with SCAs are particularly susceptible due to hormonal deficiencies, metabolic disturbances, and systemic complications. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in November 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included “antioxidants”, “oxidative stress”, “pediatrics”, “Turner syndrome”, “Klinefelter syndrome”, and “sex chromosome aneuploidies”. English-language articles were included without publication year restrictions. Relevant data on oxidative stress mechanisms and antioxidant interventions were systematically extracted. Results: The relationship between oxidative stress and SCAs can be described as bidirectional, where oxidative stress both contributes to and is exacerbated by aneuploidies. TS is marked by estrogen deficiency, cardiovascular anomalies, and metabolic dysfunction, all linked to heightened oxidative stress. KS is associated with hypogonadism, metabolic syndrome, and neurocognitive challenges, further exacerbated by oxidative damage. The aneuploid condition predisposes to increased oxidative stress in other SCAs, including 47,XXX and 47,XYY, as well as in high-grade aneuploidies. Emerging evidence highlights the therapeutic potential of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione precursors, polyphenols, and melatonin. These interventions, when combined with hormonal therapies such as estrogen replacement in TS or testosterone replacement in KS, demonstrate synergistic effects in restoring redox balance and mitigating systemic complications. Conclusions: Oxidative stress significantly impacts the progression of SCAs in pediatric populations, amplifying risks across metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive domains. Early, tailored antioxidant strategies, integrated with syndrome-specific hormonal therapies, could reduce long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols to optimize these interventions for pediatric patients with SCAs.