Adolescence and puberty

Question 1

Define adolescence

Answer 1

The transitional period between childhood and adulthood ( psychological and social changes)

Question 2

What are the general differences in maturation rate between genders?

Answer 2

Girls starts puberty earlier, have their growth spurt earlier and physically mature earlier by about 2 years.

Question 3

What groups of teenagers are at a higher risk of depression and substance abuse?

Answer 3

Early maturing girls and late maturing boys.

Question 4

What neurological changes occur during puberty?

Answer 4

Prefrontal cortex starts decreasing in grey matter density ( previously increasing) and increases in cortical white matter.

Question 5

Define puberty

Answer 5

The physical changes that occur to reach sexual maturity

Question 6

When does puberty occur

Answer 6

Female 10-14

Male 12-16

Question 7

What physical change occur?

Answer 7

Female- breasts, pubic hair, growth spurt, periods, underarm hair, redistribution of body fat

male- scrotum and testes enlarge, voice deepens, lengthening of penis, pubic, facial and underarm hair and change in body shape (mainly muscle bulk changes)

Question 8

Define menarche

Answer 8

First period

Question 9

How has the age of menarche changes over the last 150 years?

Answer 9

It has decreased ( plateuing over the last 3-4 decades)

starting weight has remained constant at 47kgs

Question 10

How does self estimate and confidence affect mental health.

Answer 10

Low self esteem is associated with depression and anxiety, despite the fact that high self esteem can lead to self confidence. Self confidence on its own is not protective against mental health problems.

Question 11

What are the areas of social development in adolescence?

Answer 11

Family relationships
peer development
school attainment

Question 12

How do teenage relationships differ between boys and girls?

Answer 12

Girls form close and confiding relationships

where as boys are less intimate and disclosing.

Question 13

What are the key features of anoxeria nervosa

Answer 13

Body weight below 15% of expected weight or BMI<17.5
Self induced weight loss
psycho-pathological dread of fatness
endocrine disturbances eg amenorrhea primary or secondary depending on age of suffer, delayed growth.

Question 14

What are the risk factors for anoxeria?

Answer 14

Genetics, perfectionism, subcultures, childhood abuse,higher social class, social media, bullying, trauma, gymnastics, early puberty and depression.

Question 15

what is the treatment for anorexia?

Answer 15

Family intervention, CBT and hospital admission for weight restoration.

Question 16

Why are teenagers so predisposed to risk taking behaviour?

Answer 16

Because there is a developmental mismatch between the dopaminergic reward pathway development and the regulatory/cognitive control pathways.

Question 17

What is characterised by repetitive and persistent: defiance, tantrums, bullying, fighting, running away from home, cruelty to animals, stealing, destroying property and fire starting.
At frequencies and severity worse than normal

Answer 17

Legally = delinquency
Socially = antisocial behaviour
Psychology= conduct disorder

Question 18

What are the three main factor domains that contribute to conduct disorder?

Answer 18

Child- eg ADHD
Family eg bad parenting
environment

Question 19

What is the prognosis for conduct disorder?

Answer 19

Juvenile delinquency
antisocial adult
drugs and alcohol abuse
unemployment
relationship breakdown

Question 20

What intervention can be made in CD

Answer 20

Target modifiable factors
manage hyperactivity
parenting programs
cognitive training
multi systemic therapy

Question 21

What are the signs and symptoms of depressions

Answer 21

Low mood, lack of enjoyment, lack of energy, appetite changes, weight changes, sleep changes, decreased concentration, pessimism, guilt, low self confidence, decreased libido, self harm and suicide attempts.

Question 22

How can the different severities of depression be treated?

Answer 22

Mild- CBT and psychotherapy
moderate- SSRIs and CBT
Severe- same as above.

Question 23

How can depression present in adolescences differently to in adults?

Answer 23

Irritable instead of sadness
more common in boys than in girls
somatic issues and social withdrawal
Psychosis rare before mid adolescences