8 - adolescence and puberty

Question 1

define adolescence

early middle late

Answer 1

the transitional period between puberty and adulthood - both physical and psychological changes take place

early 11-14
middle 14-17
late 18+

Question 2

define puberty

Answer 2

process of physical changes though which a childs body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction

Question 3

growth in puberty is due to

Answer 3

GH and androgens

Question 4

adrenarche

Answer 4

occurs age 6-10 before the onset of puberty where androgen levels increase

Question 5

menarche

at what body weight
why might average age of menarche decreased over the years

Answer 5

the onset of the first menstrual cycle

47kg
better healthcare and increase socio-ecnomic factors and better nutrition

Question 6

describe HPG axis pre-puberty and compare to mid puberty and adulthood

Answer 6

pre-puberty:
hypothalamus – pituitary – LH and FSH – gonads to release testosterone and oestrogen (feed back negatively to pituitary and hypothalamus)

mid:
Hypothalamus and pituitary less sensitive to negative feedback

adult:
lots of LH and FSH produced and lots of T and E produced

Question 7

male and female ohysical changes

Answer 7

male 
- voice deepens - larynx elongates
shoulders broaden
facial hair
body, armpit, pubic hair
penis and scrotum grow

female
breasts
hips
pubic hair

Question 8

3 psychological disorders

Answer 8

anorexia nervosa
mood disorders e.g. anxiety and depression
conduct disorder

Question 9

AN - features , causes, maintaining factors, treatment

Answer 9

features:
excessive exercise
restricting diet
body weight maintained 15% below expected weight BMI <17.5
amenorrhoea
decreased libido in men

causes
low self esteem, depression, anxiety, perfectionism
media, higher social class, culture, profession
genetic predisposition, hormonal changes
life events, childhood abuse

maintaining factors 
low self esteem
depression 
profession
media

CBT, family therapy
serious - neogastric tube feeding

Question 10

Mood disorders (anxiety and depression) - features, causes and maintaining factors, treatment

Answer 10

features - sadness, loss of enjoyment, irritable, poor sleep, hopeless, guilt, self blame, loss of appetite

causes
endocrine change, family change, peers, genetics, life events

maintaining factors
family, environment, peers, lack of medication

treatment
CBT
family intervention
SSRIs

Question 11

Conduct disorders - features, causes, maintaining factors, treatment

Answer 11

repetitive and persistent pattern of anti-social, aggressive of defiant behaviour

features:
child loses temper, argues, defies adult, tantrums, cruelty to animals, steal, break in
higher in deprived areas

causes
difficult temperament
family - poor parenting, discord, lack of warmth, inconsistent discipline, aggression, persistent criticism or rejection of child, abuse
peers

maintaining factors 
poor schools and neighbourhoods
high crime and unemployment 
family environment doesn't change
peers

treatment
improve problem solving skills as child
train parents
family intervention
address problems across contexts e.g. school - increase reading ability, manage bad behaviour