Adolescent Development: Health

Introduction

Adolescent development starts earlier, and lasts longer in current society
Although many people use the terms “adolescent” and “teenager” interchangeably, adolescence covers a larger age range
Adolescence has a biological start, beginning at the onset of pubertal development, approximately ages 10 to 13. This Early Adolescent (10-13) period may be a particularly important time to promote positive adolescent development.
Middle - Late Adolescence: (14 - 17) Increased and stabilizing physical changes, sexual relationships, can start seeing “big picture” , but brain doesn’t allow for full synthesis or application in the moment
The end of adolescence, also known as Emerging Adulthood (18 – 21) become more focused on individuality and identification of values.
- Commitment to relationships, career choices, and complex decision making emerge. This time period can be said to continue until mid twenties.
- Some instead distinguish between Pre-adolescence (10 – 14), and Adolescence (15 – 18)

The negative consequences of inadequate sleep include lower academic performance, higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness at school, and higher levels of depression and anxiety
If parents become concerned about their teenager’s weight and encourage dieting, the outcome is often poor.
Overemphasis, pressure, hypervigilance has opposite of intended effect
Be on lookout for disordered eating: 2 most common : Anorexia (average age : 16-17) and Bulimia (Average age: 15-19)

Risk Factors : Anorexia
- People who develop anorexia nervosa have been described as highly controlled individuals who set extremely high, and perhaps unrealistic, goals for themselves.
- Psychological factors such as depression and low body esteem also are predictive of later eating disorders in both boys and girls
- Another possibility is that a dysfunctional family dynamic contributes to this disorder.
- In Anorexia, there’s comorbidities of anxiety disorders and other psychiatric conditions
Bulimia Risk Factors: Teens are at higher risk of developing bulimia nervosa if they were obese in childhood or went through puberty early.
- The risk is also higher when children experience depression or anxiety, or experienced sexual or physical abuse.
- Treatment: A combination of treatments that include individual and family therapy, nutrition counseling, peer support groups, and at times medication.
Prevention and Programs
Programs that focus on providing information to adolescents about the harmful effects of disordered eating are not effective at producing a change in behavior.
Rather, those that focus on changing maladaptive attitudes (such as seeing a thin body as the ideal body type or feeling very dissatisfied with your own body) and promote healthy weight control behaviors are the most effective