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Adolescence is often likened to a roller coaster ride, a turbulent journey marked by exhilarating highs and daunting lows. But what exactly goes on within the minds of teenagers as they navigate this challenging period of their lives? 

A new documentary titled "The Teen Brain" looks into this enigmatic territory, seeking to highlight the inner workings of the adolescent brain.

Directed by Tiffany Shlain, "The Teen Brain" embarks on a quest to bridge the gap between generations, aiming to create a deeper understanding of teenagers among adults. Through candid conversations with both neuroscientists and teenagers themselves, the documentary aims to address pressing questions like what teens want adults to know about their brains or how they experience the world around them.

In the film, adolescents share their experiences with striking honesty, describing their emotional experiences as thrilling, scary and stimulating. They paint a vivid picture of heightened emotions and intense sensations, where every experience feels magnified and emotions run rampant.

The amygdala and beyond

Experts featured in the documentary share the physiological bases of these teenage experiences and shed light on the part of the brain that could explain the behavior of teens. 

The amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions, undergoes significant changes during adolescence -- it becomes more sensitive and increases in size. This heightened reactivity of the amygdala contributes to the intensity of emotions experienced by teenagers, amplifying both highs and lows.

According to "The Breakthrough Years" author Ellen Galinsky, it is important to distinguish teenagers from adults and highlight the unique developmental trajectories of their brains. Comparing this stage with infancy and toddlerhood, she urged against measuring teens against adult standards, advocating for a nuanced understanding of their cognitive and emotional landscapes.