Adolescence is a critical period for the maturation of the human brain, during which many psychiatric disorders emerge. This review explores the neurobiological changes in the adolescent brain and their relationship to the development of psychopathology. Key findings include structural changes in the brain, such as increases in white-matter volume due to myelination and decreases in cortical grey-matter volume, which may reflect synaptic pruning. Functional changes, such as increased sensitivity to reward, are also observed. These changes may contribute to the increased incidence of psychiatric disorders during adolescence, including schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and affective and anxiety disorders. The adolescent brain undergoes significant structural and functional changes, with grey-matter volume peaking during childhood and declining gradually, while white-matter volume increases throughout adolescence. Functional MRI studies show that adolescents exhibit increased activity in brain regions involved in cognitive control and reward processing. However, the interpretation of these findings is complex due to the indirect nature of fMRI signals and the influence of various confounding factors. Neurochemical changes, such as those in the dopaminergic system, are also important during adolescence. These changes may contribute to the development of motivational behaviors and are linked to the onset of psychiatric disorders. The relationship between adolescent brain development and psychopathology is complex, with factors such as hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences playing a role. The review highlights the importance of understanding the neurobiological basis of adolescent brain development to better understand and treat psychiatric disorders. Future research should focus on integrating neuroimaging studies with genetic and environmental factors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying adolescent psychopathology. The findings suggest that adolescence is a time of significant neurobiological and behavioral change, which can increase vulnerability to certain types of psychopathology. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments for adolescents affected by mental health disorders.Adolescence is a critical period for the maturation of the human brain, during which many psychiatric disorders emerge. This review explores the neurobiological changes in the adolescent brain and their relationship to the development of psychopathology. Key findings include structural changes in the brain, such as increases in white-matter volume due to myelination and decreases in cortical grey-matter volume, which may reflect synaptic pruning. Functional changes, such as increased sensitivity to reward, are also observed. These changes may contribute to the increased incidence of psychiatric disorders during adolescence, including schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and affective and anxiety disorders. The adolescent brain undergoes significant structural and functional changes, with grey-matter volume peaking during childhood and declining gradually, while white-matter volume increases throughout adolescence. Functional MRI studies show that adolescents exhibit increased activity in brain regions involved in cognitive control and reward processing. However, the interpretation of these findings is complex due to the indirect nature of fMRI signals and the influence of various confounding factors. Neurochemical changes, such as those in the dopaminergic system, are also important during adolescence. These changes may contribute to the development of motivational behaviors and are linked to the onset of psychiatric disorders. The relationship between adolescent brain development and psychopathology is complex, with factors such as hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences playing a role. The review highlights the importance of understanding the neurobiological basis of adolescent brain development to better understand and treat psychiatric disorders. Future research should focus on integrating neuroimaging studies with genetic and environmental factors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying adolescent psychopathology. The findings suggest that adolescence is a time of significant neurobiological and behavioral change, which can increase vulnerability to certain types of psychopathology. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments for adolescents affected by mental health disorders.