Adolescent Health

Question 1

WHO definition of adolescence?

Answer 1

10-19 years

Question 2

WHO definition of youth?

Answer 2

15-24 years

Question 3

WHO definition of young people?

Answer 3

10-24 years

Question 4

how is pubertal development staged?

Answer 4

Tanner staging

stage 1-5

Question 5

biological changes in adolescence?

Answer 5

more synapses
more myelination
more grey matter
growth
puberty

Question 6

when do biological changes occur in adolescence?

Answer 6

10-13 years

Question 7

what psychological changes occur in adolescence?

Answer 7

abstract thinking
identity development
morality

Question 8

when do psychological changes occur in adolescence?

Answer 8

13-16

Question 9

what social changes occur in adolescence?

Answer 9

developing autonomy

changing relationships with family and peers

Question 10

when do social changes occur in adolescence?

Answer 10

16-19

Question 11

acronym for assessment of developmental stage?

Answer 11

STEPS
Sexual maturation and growth
Thinking
Education/employment
Peers/parents

Question 12

what is abstract though?

Answer 12

applying and translating a concept to other domains of life

thinking about larger consequences, not just the here and now

Question 13

what must a young person be able to do in order to be deemed competent?

Answer 13

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 14

what is the age of legal capacity in Scotland?

Answer 14

under 16s can consent to or refuse treatment as long as a present medical practitioner deems them as competent

Question 15

what is the protocol if a competent young person refuses treatment?

Answer 15

parents cannot authorise a treatment a competent young adult has refused
if treatment is in the best interest of a competent young person who refuses - seek legal advice
weigh up the harm to the rights of children and young people of overriding their refusal against the benefits of treatment

Question 16

what are the rules for confidentiality in young people?

Answer 16

same rules apply regardless of the age of the patient if they are deemed competent

Question 17

when can confidentiality be broken?

Answer 17

if the health, safety or welfare of the patient or others would be at risk without disclosure

Question 18

what is HEEADSSS?

Answer 18

framework to remind us of things we might want to discuss with young people

• Home (home life/relationships)
• Education/employment
• eating (weight, body image)
• Activities (peers, physical activity)
• Drugs
• Sex
• Suicidality
• Safety (risk taking, criminality)

Question 19

what is the importance of healthcare in adolescence?

Answer 19

poorly managed conditions in adolescence almost universally carries over into adulthood
gains in child health are lost in adolescence

Question 20

how can the time of onset of disease in adolescence have an affect on the impact if the disease?

Answer 20

during biological changes (10-13) = diseases linked with adolescence can affect pubertal development
during psychological changes (13-16) = affects self esteem, body image etc
during social changes (16-19) = problems with adherence and self-management and exploratory behaviours