Adolescence and Puberty Flashcards
Define adolescence
a transitional stage ofphysicalandpsychological developmentbetween childhood and adulthood
Define puberty
physical changes through which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction.
Give the boundaries for early, middle and late adolescence
E = 11-14 M = 14-17 L = 18+
What are the main physical changes that occur in adolescence for girls
Breast budding Growth spurt First period Growth of underarm and pubic hair Change in body shape
What are the main physical changes that occur in adolescence for boys
Growth of scrotum and testes Change in voice Penis lengthening Pubic, facial and underarm hair growth Change in body shape
Compare the age of onset of growth spurts in girls and boys
Growth spurts have an earlier onset in girls than in boys (10-14 vs 11-17)
When does puberty begin and what initiates it
Begins around 11 for girls, 12 for boys
Initiated by the various hormones in the brain signalling to the tests/ovaries
What are the changes in brain development in adolescence
Brain development underpins cognitive changes in adolescence.
In the prefrontal cortex:
Up to puberty - increase in grey matter
After puberty - grey matter density decreases to early adulthood
From puberty onwards, there is an increase in cortical white matter.
What is adrenarche
stimulation of adrenal androgen production (DHEA and DHEAS)
this occurs prior to onset of puberty (6-10yrs)
What is menarche
onset of first menstrual cycle
What are the overall changes in psychological development during adolescence
Cognition e.g. morality Identity Increased self-awareness Affect expression and regulation Formal operational (think in an abstract, hypothetical manner)
Give examples of social changes that occur in adolescence
Parental surveillance, confiding and conflicts
Increased importance of peers
Peer groups become more complex and hierarchical
More sensitive to acceptance and rejection
Romantic relationships
summarise the change in the onset of puberty since the mid-19th century and the adolescent attitudes to pubertal development
Age at menarche has decreased over the last 150 years and has levelled off over the last 3-4 decades.
How is puberty associated with anorexia nervosa
For girls, puberty causes increased adiposity and body shape dissatisfaction
What are the key features of anorexia nervosa
Self-induced weight loss
Body weight maintained 15% below expected weight, or BMI < 17.5.
Describe the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa
The dread of fatness and flabbiness persisting as an intrusive overvalued idea
What are the endocrine disturbances that occur in anorexia nervosa
amenorrhoea
delayed growth
puberty in younger sufferers.
What are the risk factors for anorexia nervosa
Being female Low self esteem Depression/anxiety Cultural variation Media Genetic predisposition Dieting Childhood abuse Higher social class
How is anorexia nervosa treated
psych interventions = family therapy, CBT
physical: admissions if extreme or NGT feeding tube
Give examples of mood disorders that might arise in adolescence
Depression
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Mixed Anxiety and Depression
Psychotic depression
What is depression
May refer to a single symptom, a symptom cluster or a disorder
Single: feeling miserable, differing severity, persistence and mood quality
Cluster: with various affective, cognitive and behavioural symptoms
What are the symptom clusters of depression
Affective – sadness, loss of enjoyment, irritability
Cognitive – self-blame, hopelessness, guilt
Biological – disturbed sleep, reduced appetite
Give examples of environmental factors that might contribute to the onset of depression in adolescence
Endocrine change
Changes in family relationships
Peers
Responsibilities and hassles
What are the interventions for mood disorders
Mainly cognitive behavioural therapy
Family/Interpersonal therapy
Pharmacology
What drugs can be used for mood disorders
SSRIs e.g. fluoxetine for moderate – severe depression
Antipsychotics
Melatonin (sleep)
What is conduct disorder
Persistent failure to control behaviour appropriately within socially defined rules
What are the features of conduct disorder
child that looses temper and argues defies adult requests or rules bullies fights or intimidates commits crimes and steals
What are the contributing developmental factors to conduct disorder
changes in family relationships, peer pressure
Describe the epidemiology of conduct disorder
4% at ages 5-10 years 6% at ages 10-15 years overall 5% at ages 5-15 years Higher in deprived inner-city areas Boys: girls 3:1
What interventions are used for conduct disorder
For child – problem solving skills,
Parent training, Family intervention
Address problems across contexts e.g. in school
