Adolescence & early adulthood Flashcards
Define adolescence
a transitional stage ofphysicalandpsychological developmentthat generally occurs during the period frompuberty to legal adulthood
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)
define puberty
Process of physical changes through which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction
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 is adenarche
increase in adrenal androgen production between 6-10yrs old in girls
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
Give examples of social changes that occur in adolescence
Parental surveillance nad confiding
Increased importance of peers
Peer groups become more complex and hierarchical
More sensitive to acceptance and rejection
Romantic relationships
Define anorexia nervosa
Deliberate weight loss, induced and sustained by the patient
When does anorexia nervosa usually arise
Usually in adolescent girls and young women, but boys and young men also
Describe the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa
Dread of fatness and flabbiness body contour persisting as an intrusive overvalued idea, with self-imposition of threshold
Give examples of risk factors of anorexia nervosa
Low self esteem Depression/anxiety Cultural variation Media Genetic predisposition Dieting Childhood abuse Life events
Give examples of symptoms of anorexia
No appetite or Restricted dietary choice Weight loss Arrhythmia Weakness Sleep disturbance Induced vomiting/purgation Use of appetite suppressants/diuretics
What is the treatment for anorexia nervosa
psych interventions = family therapy, CBT
physical: admissions if extreme or NGT feeding tube
What endocrine disturbances
Amenorrhoea (usually secondary)
Loss of sexual interest and potency for men
What is the largest risk factor for anorexia nervosa
Being female
Give examples of mood disorders
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 developmental considerations fo depression
Endocrine change
Changes in family relationships
Peers
Responsibilities and hassles
Give examples of causes of depression
Familial aggregation; genetic factors known
Effects of family interaction e.g. criticism
Life events, adversities
What are the main symptoms of depression
Low mood
Loss of energy
Loss of enjoyment (anhedonia)
What are the criteria for depression
Symptoms pervasive
Impairing
Present for at least 2 weeks
What are the interventions for mood disorders
Psychological interventions
Mainly CBT
Family/Interpersonal therapy
Pharmacology
What drugs can be used for mood disorders
SSRIs Stimulants Melatonin Antipsychotics Short term meds
