In addition to heavily increased rates of anxiety and depression, researchers at Stanford University discovered the COVID-19 pandemic aged teenagers' brains by almost three years, according to a study published Thursday.

In "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Brain Maturation in Adolescents," the group of seven researchers compared MRI scans taken of teenagers ages 15 to 18 before the pandemic to scans of the same age group taken during the pandemic.

"It confirms the stress that they experienced during the pandemic and the effects that they have had, not only on their mental health but on their brain, as well.".

Experts in the study said it is still unclear how the changes will impact teens and their future, but for the time being, it serves as evidence that mental health disorders in teens grew during the pandemic.

HIGH-POVERTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS SUFFERED MORE LEARNING LOSS DURING COVID PANDEMIC, ACCORDING TO STUDY.

Prior to this study, the researchers said accelerated changes in "brain age" had only been found in children who experienced chronic adversity like violence, neglect, family dysfunction or a combination.

He also reportedly plans to study the brain structure of kids who contracted COVID-19 to see if they experienced any additional changes

Until then, Elkins said the study proved the need for more resources toward the growing mental health crisis in today's youth

"We need more sustainable federal and public investment to increase mental health care access for youth," she said