Introduction to problems in adolescents

[Agnes]

For most children, adolescence is a period of good physical health. The most common problems during adolescence relate to

Growth and development
School
Childhood illnesses that continue into adolescence
Mental health disorders
Consequences of risky or illegal behaviors (including injury, legal consequences, pregnancy, and infectious diseases)

Leading causes of death and disability among adolescents are

Motor vehicle crashes and other unintentional injuries
Injuries resulting from interpersonal violence

During this phase of development, adolescents begin to transition from childhood to adulthood. Issues of independence, identity, sexuality, and relationships define this developmental stage. Mental health problems, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and thought disorders (such as schizophrenia) as well as psychosocial disorders, may develop or first become apparent during adolescence. Suicide is a major cause of death for this age group. Other causes of death include accidents, unintentional injuries, and homicide.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, most commonly develop during adolescence and are more common among girls. Many unhealthy behaviors that start during adolescence, such as consuming a poor diet (see Obesity in Adolescents), smoking, substance use, and violence, can lead to immediate health problems, long-term disorders, or poor health later in life.

[Michiko]

Fortunately, most adolescents enjoy good physical and mental health. However, the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases in adolescence are on the rise and likely are due to an earlier onset of obesity-associated disorders, longer survival after serious childhood disorders, and other unknown factors.
The most common problems among adolescents relate to growth and development, school, childhood illnesses that continue into adolescence, mental health disorders, and the consequences of risky or illegal behaviors, including injury, legal consequences, pregnancy, infectious diseases, and substance use disorders. Unintentional injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes and injuries resulting from interpersonal violence are leading causes of death and disability among adolescents.
Psychosocial adjustment is a hallmark of this phase of development because even normal individuals struggle with issues of identity, autonomy, sexuality, and relationships. “Who am I, where am I going, and how do I relate to all of these people in my life?” are frequent preoccupations for most adolescents. Psychosocial disorders are more common during adolescence than during childhood, and many unhealthy behaviors begin during adolescence. Having an eating disorder, poor diet, obesity, substance use, and violent behavior can lead to acute health problems, chronic disorders, or morbidity later in life.