Adolescent Health

Question 1

What age group does the WHO define as adolescence?

Answer 1

Adolescence: 10-19 years

Question 2

What is the difference between the Youth age group and Young People age group as determined by WHO

Answer 2

Youth: 15-24 years

Young People: 10-24 years

Question 3

What are the three types of changes that occur during adolescence?

Answer 3

Biological
Psychological
Social

Question 4

What biological changes occur during adolescence?

Answer 4

Puberty
Growth
CNS development

Question 5

What psychological changes occur during adolescence?

Answer 5

Abstract thinking
Identity development
Morality

Question 6

What social changes can occur during adolescence?

Answer 6

Developing autonomy

Changing relationships with family and peers

Question 7

What does the “STEP” acronym stand for with regards to development in adolescence?

Answer 7

S - Sexual Maturation and Growth
T - Thinking
E - Education/Employment
P - Peers/Parents

Question 8

When there is a child safeguarding issue, should their family be involved?

Answer 8

Yes you must consider the patient’s parents and family but the young person comes first

=> always act in the best interests of the young person

Question 9

A person under the age of 16 years shall have legal capacity to consent on their own where, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner, they are capable of understanding the procedure or treatment. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 9

TRUE

Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991

Question 10

In Scotland parents can authorise treatment a competent young person has refused. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 10

FALSE

Question 11

What topics may we want to discuss with adolescent patients that may not otherwise come up in a history taking?

Answer 11

Home
Education/Employment 
Eating
Activities 
Drugs
Sex/ STIs
Suicidality
Safety and Risk Taking

Question 12

If a 16 year-old female with learning difficulties has had sex with an 18 year-old male, would this be considered an underage sex and child protection issue?

Answer 12

In terms of ages, both can consent

HOWEVER, if the female has learning difficulties this may affect her ability to consent

Question 13

What mental health disorders commonly present in adolescence?

Answer 13

Eating disorders
Mental Illness – depression, anxiety, psychosis
Chronic fatigue
Functional disorders

Question 14

What physical health problems are common in adolescence?

Answer 14

Diabetes
Epilepsy
Asthma
Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Question 15

What social health issues do adolescents experience?

Answer 15

Drugs and Alcohol

Sexual Relationships

Question 16

What must you be aware of when prescribing for adolescents?

Answer 16

• In obese teenagers; prescribe for ideal body weight
• In drug hx patients forget inhalers, creams, contraception => ask
• Be aware of prescribing teratogenic drugs