Adolescent Health

Question 1

What are the key changes that adolescents go through?

Answer 1

Brain changes
Emotional Development
Mental Health

Question 2

What is adolescence?

Answer 2

Specific developmental stage that occurs between 11-25

Biological, physiological and social development occurs

Question 3

What is the main form of brain development that occurs during adolescence?

Answer 3

Developing prefrontal cortex
- allows for abstract thinking, organising, decision making, reasoning, cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation to develop

Question 4

What percentage of adolescents experience mental health issues?

Answer 4

10-20%

Question 5

Why might mental health issues occur in adolescents?

Answer 5

Brain is still learning how to control and express emotions

Girls are more likely to internalise where as boys express oppositional behaviour

Question 6

How does chronic disease effect adolescence?

Answer 6

Highest rate of graft failure (up tp 35% of adolescents lose the kidney)

Deterioration in HbA1c

Question 7

Why is chronic disease control decrease in adolescence?

Answer 7

Different priorities

Different thought process

Question 8

How should you take an adolescent history?

Answer 8

Using the HEADSS format

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

Question 9

When do adolescents transition from paediatric services to adult services?

Answer 9

aged 16