Adolescence

Question 1

At what age does puberty occur for males vs females?

Answer 1

• Males: 12-16 years

- Females: 10-14 years

Question 2

Explain the relationship between adolescence and risk taking

Answer 2

• Limbic system (risk and reward) is more developed than the pre-frontal cortex (executive functioning - planning, prioritising, organising thoughts, suppressing impulses,, weighing consequences)
• mismatch between emotion and ability to control, leading to experimentation and risk-taking
• From a neurobiological perspective, neurons have formed and fully developed by this phase, but synaptic pruning has not completed

Question 3

Name some things that evolve in the psychosocial development of an adolescent.

Answer 3

• Autonomy and independence
  
  • Peer relationships and recreational goals
  • Educational and vocational goals
  • Body image integrity
  • Sexual self-concept
  • Moral value system
  • Financial independence

Question 4

What are some strategies to make a hospital more adolescent friendly?

Answer 4

• Hospital policy - upper age, transition
• Physical environment - branding, adolescent ward
• Support services - education, peer support
• Academic leadership - teaching, research
• IT access and support - social networking
• Clinical guidelines - psychosocial assessment
• Consumer participation - youth advisory committee

Question 5

What is a tool you can use to perform an adolescent-centred history?

Answer 5

• Home
• Education,Employment,Exercise,Eating
• Activities (peer-related)
• Drug use
• Sexual health and Sexuality
• Suicide,Self-harm
• Safety(please include media and online!)