Adolescent Health

Question 1

what is adolescence

Answer 1

ages 10-19

variable period between childhood and adulthood characterised by rapid development in psychological, social and biological domains.

Question 2

what happens to the brain in adolescence

Answer 2

in early adolescence there is an increase in grey matter with additional synaptic connections

in later adolescence there are pruned allowing social development and the ability for abstract thought and well judged decisions

Question 3

what factors are taken into consideration when assessing developmental stage

Answer 3

STEP 
S- sexual maturation and growth 
T- thinking 
E- education/employment 
P- peers/parents

Question 4

what makes a young person competent enough to make decisions about their care

Answer 4

• understand the nature, purpose and necessity for treatment
• understand the benefits, risks, effects and alternatives to treatment
• understand the information applies to them
• be able to make a choice free of pressure

Question 5

what is the HEEADSSS framework for discussing things with young people

Answer 5

H - home life/relationships
E- education/employment - progress at school, financial concerns
E- eating, weight, body image
A - activities, peers, physical activity
D - drugs
S- Sex- orientation, STIs
S- suicidality
S- safety - risk taking behaviour/criminality