Adolescent Health

Question 1

What is Adolescence

Answer 1

Occurs around 11-25
Brings on...
   Social
   emotional 
   physical changes`

Question 2

How are adolescents different

Answer 2

Social Development
Establishing independence
Developing Self Identity
Starting to develop and explore sexual identity
characterised by various transitions and changes in
social circumstances.

Emotional Development
Growing ability to regulate emotions
Emotional Outbursts can be triggered by barriers to
development
Increase in connections between the amygdala and
other areas of the brain during adolescence

Question 3

What area of the brain goes through the most change in adolescence

Answer 3

Pre-frontal cortex
responsible for higher level cognition
characteristics of adult behaviours /abilities`

Question 4

Chronic Disease in Adolescence

Answer 4

Highest GRAFT FAILURE rate
~35% lose kidney

HbA1C deterioration in Diabetes
Assoc with chroic compications - CV disease,
neuropathy, retinopathy etc.

this is consistent across medical conditions

Question 5

Why are chronic diseases worse in adolescence?

Answer 5

Different outlook on priorities
Difficult to perceive long term notion
Both Chronic disease and adolescence is an emotional journey with a need to restructure identity

Question 6

How might we set up an adolescent consultation

Answer 6

Offer to see the patient on their own
   Easier if in standard practice 
   Easier if its a follow up 
   Consider chaperones 
   Follow by bringing parents/carers into the 
   consultation 

Think About your intro
First names or Dr such and such

Question 7

Difference is communications

Answer 7

Aim for a conversation not an interrogation

Remember open questions are less successful
Are all teenagers “Fine” - offer a range of answers

Avoid medical Jargon - it’ll just piss them off
Explore their priorities/concerns
validate concerns

Question 8

HEADsS style of questioning

Answer 8

Home 
Education (or employment) 
Activities 
Drugs/Alcohol
Sexuality
Suicide/Self hard

Question 9

How can we improve the transition between paeds and adult servicees

Answer 9

Treat it as a transition not an event
Start early - 11 - 12 years
Make sure good knowledge of condition and medications
Initially run joint appts with paeds and adult team
Use Checklits/toolkits to Improve