adolescence and early adulthood Flashcards
define adolescence
period of psychological and social transition between childhood and
adulthood.
Early adolescence= 11-14; middle adolescence= 14-17; late adolescence= 18-21.
how does onset of puberty differ between the genders
Girls start puberty earlier than boys, grow taller earlier than boys and are physically mature
2 years earlier than boys.
what are Early maturing girls and late maturing boys are at higher risk of
depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and bullying
what happens to brain matter composition leading up to puberty
prefrontal cortex,
there is an increase in grey matter up to puberty.
what happens to brain matter composition after puberty
After puberty, grey matter density
decreases to early adulthood. From puberty onwards, there is an increase in cortical white
matter.
define puberty
the process of physical changes by which adolescents reach sexual maturation.
In girls when does puberty occur
ages 10-14
Peak
in puberty is generally earlier in girls compared to boys.
female Pubertal changes include
breast budding, growth of pubic
hair, growth spurt, first period, growth of underarm hair and a change in body shape.
In boys, puberty is between
12-16
male Pubertal changes include
growth of scrotum and testes,
change in voice, lengthening of penis, growth of pubic air, growth spurt, growth of facial and
underarm hair and a change in body shape.
what triggers Onset of androgen production (Puberty)
maturation of the CNS affecting GnRH neurones
altered set point to gonadal steroid negative feedback.
define Menarche
first period
define adrenarche
premature menarche
what has happened to age of menarche over time
decreased over the last 150 years and has
levelled off over the last 3-4 decades.
body weight remained
relatively constant at 47kg.
what hormones are produced following GnRH release that cuases affects of puberty
stimulates pituitary production of FSH/LH
stimulates gonads to produce sex steroids
sex steroids cause secondary sexual characteristics puberty
what protein acts on Hypothalamus to switch on GnRH pulsatility
Kisspeptin (formerly known as metastin) is a protein that is encoded by the KISS1 gene in humans.
what other hormone interacts with this protein toi trigger puberty
Leptin
secreted peripherally from adipose tissue
what Psychological Changes occur in puberty
Cognition e.g. morality
• Identity - struggle to understand ones self
• Increased self-awareness
• Affect expression and regulation
recall the main areas of normal social development in
adolescence.
Family - parental surveillance, confiding, influence academic choices,
Peer development - influence interpersonal style, sensitive to acceptance & rejection
School attainment
Social role – education, occupation
what is the Developmental mismatch hypothesis
Grey, white & dopaminergic pathway changes increase
vulnerability to risk taking
define anorexia nervosa
body weight maintained 15% below expected weight, or BMA < 17.5
what are the features of Anorexia (besides body weight)
self-induced weight loss
psychopathology- dread of fatness and a preoccupation with this
endocrine disturbances- amenorrhoea, or delayed growth and puberty in younger
sufferers.
Causes of anorexia nervosa
genetic predisposition, perfectionist temperament, specific subcultures, childhood
abuse, higher social class.
Treatment of anorexia nervosa
family intervention, CBT (for abnormal eating attitudes and depression), hospital
administration for weight restoration
Differential diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
Physical - crohns, diabetes
Psychiatric - Depression, Psychosis
define depression how is it classed
persistent sadness or low mood; with a loss of interest or pleasure and/or
fatigue/ low energy. It
can be classed as mild, moderate or severe.
Causes of depression
familial-
genetic factors, hormonal changes, effects of family interactions, life
events, adversities.
Treatment of depression
CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy, family interventions, antidepressants.
how is Antisocial behaviour defined
by society- behave in a way that goes away from social
norms.
There is an increase in antisocial behaviour over the years.
how is conduct disorder defined
defined by psychiatry- a repetitive and persistent pattern of dis-social,
aggressive or defiant behaviour.
freq/severity beyond social norms
what actions fall under conduct disorder
tantrums, truancy, stealing and cruelty to animals.
what Psychological interventions can ameliorate the problems linked to psychological disorders
Parenting programmes-
-how to deal with behavioural difficulties.
Cognitive problem-solving
-resolve conflict in a
more constructive way.
Interventions at school
-management of disruptive behaviour;
increasing reading ability.
Multi-systemic therapy- targets causes of youth anti-social behaviour
