adolescent growth

Question 1

what are adolescents?

Answer 1

10-19

Question 2

what are youth?

Answer 2

15-24 years

Question 3

what are young people?

Answer 3

10-24 year

Question 4

what is used to assess developmental stages ?

Answer 4

Sexual maturation and growth
Thinking
Education/employment
Peers/parents

Question 5

what is the GMC guidance for people 0-18 years?

Answer 5

• have a duty to safeguard and protect young people
• need to consider the patient’s parents and family but young person comes first
• should always act in best interests of young person; may require support to decide how to act

Question 6

what criteria must a young person meet to be competent?

Answer 6

• Understand simple terms and the nature, purpose and necessity for proposed treatment
• Understand the benefits, risks and effects of, as well as the alternatives to, non-treatment
• Understand that the information applies to them
• Retain the information long enough to make a choice
• Make a choice free from pressure

Question 7

what is the legal capacity act in Scotland?

Answer 7

• a person under 16 has legal capacity to consent if in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner they are capable of understanding
• this means they can reject medication if deemed competent

Question 8

can parents in Scotland authorise treatment if a competent person has refused?

Answer 8

no

-if treatment is in best interests of competent young person seek legal advice

Question 9

what should be taken in adolescent history?

Answer 9

HEEADSSS

Home (home life/relationships)
Education/Employment (progress at school, financial concerns)
Eating (weight, body weight)
Activities (peers, physical activity)
Drugs
Sex (sexual activity, orientation, STIs)
Suicidality
Safety (risk taking behaviour/criminality)