Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood into adulthood - a phase of life when significant physical, psychological, emotional changes take place in our body and mind. Learn more about adolescence and health.

1. Understanding the
Health Problems, Risk
Factors & Treatment
in Adolescence

2. Adolescence is usually defined as the second
decade of life. Adolescence is the period of
transition from childhood into adulthood.
Researchers have found that changes in the
body and brain associated with adolescence
may begin as early as the age of 8 and extend
until the age of 24.
What is Adolescence?

3. It’s more than physical
Adolescence is a wildly transformative period that involves
profound physical, psychological, emotional, and social growth.
Understanding Adolescence
It starts unexpectedly early
It believed that adolescence starts with puberty.
However, puberty itself can start before 10. And
hormonal development can start as early as 6 or 7.
It’s very personal
The specific stage of development varies
from individual to individual. That variety in
physical and emotional development can
often lead to self-consciousness and stress
about identity.
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4. Understanding Adolescence
They need to grow their own way
Turning away from parents is a normal process, and
this helps kids develop independent decision-making
ability. It doesn’t make it easier, though.
It ends unexpectedly late
Brain development continues after
physical maturity, and the prefrontal
cortex (the source of good decision
making, essentially) usually does not fully
develop until the mid-twenties.
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5. The 3 Phases of Adolescence
Middle Adolescence
Physical changes continue in middle adolescence, between ages 14-16. Body
composition and skeletal mass start changing, increasing lean body mass in males
and decreasing the same in females.
Early Adolescence
It generally starts between 10 and 13 years of age, and possibly even
earlier for girls. These physical changes include the appearance of
body hair, the development of breasts for girls and larger genitals for
boys, and development of body odor and acne.
Late Adolescence
This can span from ages 17 to 25 – well into adulthood, especially for males. Physically,
many kids will be mature. But the brain is still developing the hallmarks of adulthood such as
the abilities to plan, delay gratification, and compromise.
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3

6. Key Features in Adolescent Growth and Development
Sense of identity
develops
May feel awkward or strange
about themselves and their
bodies
Ability to use speech to
express feelings improves
Close friendships
gain importance
Realization grows that parents are
not perfect, have faults
Overt affection toward
parents declines
Occasional rudeness with
parents occurs
Complaints that parents interfere
with independence increase
Friends and peers influence clothing
styles and interests
Childish behavior may return,
particularly at times of stress
Emotional

7. Key Features in Adolescent Growth and Development
Interests tend to focus
on the present
Thoughts for the
future are limited
Intellectual
interests expand
Gain ability to do work (physical,
mental, emotional)
Capacity for abstract
thinking increases
Risk-taking behavior may emerge
(experimenting with tobacco, alcohol,
physical risks)
Cognitive

8. Key Features in Adolescent Growth and Development
Girls develop ahead of boys
Shyness, blushing, and
modesty increases
Interest in privacy
increases
Exploration of issues and
questions about sexuality and
sexual orientation begins
Concerns about physical and sexual
attractiveness to others may develop
Short-term romantic
relationships may occur
Showing off may
increase
Interest in sex
increases
Worries about being
“normal” become common
Sexual

9. Key Features in Adolescent Growth and Development
Testing of rules and
limits increases
More consistent
evidence of conscience
becomes apparent
Questioning moral rights
and privileges increases
Moral
Capacity for abstract thought
develops Ideals develop,
including selection of role
models

10. Major Health Issues of Adolescent Period – Mental Health
Depression is one of the leading causes of illness
and disability among adolescents
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in
adolescents
Violence, humiliation and feeling devalued can increase
the risk of developing mental health problems
Building life skills in children and adolescents and providing them
with psychosocial support can help promote good mental health

11. Violence
Interpersonal violence is also one of the major
causes of death in adolescents
Globally, nearly one in three adolescent girls aged 15 – 19 years
(84 million) have been a victim of emotional, physical and/or
sexual violence perpetrated by their husband or partner
Promoting nurturing relationships between parents and children early
in life, providing life skills training , and reducing access to alcohol and
firearms can help prevent injuries and deaths due to violence

12. Early Pregnancy and Childbirth
The leading cause of
death for 15 to 19-
year-old girls
globally is
complications
related to pregnancy
and childbirth.
Better access to
contraceptive
information and services
can reduce the number
of girls becoming
pregnant and giving birth
at a young age.

13. Alcohol and Drugs
Harmful drinking among
adolescents is a major
concern. It reduces self-
control and increases risky
behaviours, such as unsafe
sex or dangerous driving. It
can also lead to health
problems in later life and
affects life expectancy.

14. Nutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies
Iron deficiency anaemia was the
second leading cause of death
and disability in 2016.
Reducing foods high in saturated fats,
transfats, sugars, or salt and providing
access to healthy foods are important for
all, but especially for children and
adolescents.

15. Undernutrition and Obesity
Many adolescent boys
and girls face
undernourishment,
making them more
vulnerable to diseases.
On the other hand,
globally, in 2016, over
one in six adolescents
aged 10–19 years was
overweight.

16. Physical Activity
World Health Organization
(WHO) recommends for
adolescents to accumulate
at least 60 minutes of
moderate- to vigorous-
intensity physical activity
daily, which may include
playing games and
participating in sports.
However, globally, only
1 in 5 adolescents are
estimated to meet
these guidelines

17. Tobacco use
Most people using
tobacco today have
been doing so since
their adolescence.
Globally, at least 1
in 10 adolescents
aged 13 to 15
years uses
tobacco.

18. We all go through adolescence. We can well remember
how we felt misunderstood and how our parents seemed
to withdraw their help instead of offering it to us.
Adolescence is a difficult and confusing age, in which, adult support
is necessary. Adults can provide the security that teens so badly
need. We should look to help them, paying attention to tell-tale signs.
Does your adolescent child, brother, or sister need
medical attention or consultation? Get EPIC help today!
Call 248-336-4000 in Ferndale and 313-861-4400 in Detroit
to book your appointment today!

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