Week 4 Adolescent Health and Development

Question 1

Who are Adolescents and young adults?

Answer 1

Paediatric patient < 16
Adolescence 12~18
Adulthood >18

Adolescence:

• biological onset marked by puberty
• encompasses neurobiological changes & cognitive development
• increasingly accepted as social construct

Question 2

Stages of Adolescent development

Answer 2

Adolescence is a significant period of life, the universal aspects of which are largely determined by biological (physical and cognitive) processes with social, economic, pollical and cultural contexts.

Early:

• puberty, commence autonomy
• anxiety about body and shape
• concrete thinking, daydreaming

Middle:

• Sexual drives & identity
• balance of peer vs family
• rational thinking

Late:

• independence from carers
• working towards economic
• ability to abstract thought

Adolescence tasks:

• achieving independence
• development of a realistic and stable self-identity and body image
• consolidating sexual identity
• negotiating relationships
• acquiring skills to enable economic independence
• formation of moral and value system

Question 3

Adolescent brain and risk taking

Answer 3

Early adolescence is a time of rapid learning and brain development

A period of vulnerability and opportunity

Taking a risk is developmentally normal BUT can end badly

Question 4

Common health concerns

Answer 4

Wellbeing

• Injury
• Nutrition and weight (obesity)
• Mental health and wellbeing

Alcohol and other drugs

• Tobacco and E-cigarette use
• Heavy drinker is sober during memory tests.
• Illicit substance use (i.e. cannabis)

Sexual and reproductive health

• Def. physical, mental, social wellbeing in relation to sexuality
• Risks: bullying, discrimination, family disconnection
• Ending up in education disengagement, homelessness, substance use …

Question 5

Chronic illness in adolescence

Answer 5

Chronic illness is defined as any illness persisting for > 6 months

Impacts ob Dx:

• Period of uncertainty and attempt to adapt to “the new normal”
• emotion and physical adjustment

Impacts on independence:

• parental overproduction
• delayed physical appearance

Impacts on friendship:

• social isolation, bullying
• stigma and exclusion

Impacts on education:

• absenteeism
• reduced expectations

Impacts on QOL:
- Stage course of illness → higher acceptance and lower helplessness

Question 6

Supporting young people in hospital settings

Answer 6

Compliance: individual actively maintain their health in collaboration with the healthcare team

Risks: emotional functioning/depression, health beliefs/severity illness

Opportunities: communication, identity risks, social support

Responses: openly address concerns, non-confrontational approach