Adolescence 13-19 years

Physical Development Growth Spurt: rapid increase in weight and height Weight gain: up to 25 lbs Height: increases several inches Can occur in a period of months Usually happens between 11-13 in girls and 13-15 in boys Muscle coordination: awkwardness, clumsy

Puberty Development of sexual organs & secondary sex characteristics: Secretion of hormones: Onset of menses in girls, Production of sperm and semen in boys 2ndary sexual characteristics: Girls: Grow pubic and axillary hair, develop breasts and wider hips, distributes body fat which leads to female shape

Puberty…cont’ 2ndary sex characteristics: Boys: Develop a deeper voice Attain more muscle mass and broader shoulders Grow pubic, facial, and body hair.

Mental Development Increase in knowledge and sharpening of skills Decision making, acceptance of responsibility for their actions Causes conflict: treated both as children and adults.

Emotional Development Often stormy and in conflict Uncertain and feel inadequate, as they try to establish their identity and independence. Worry about their appearance, their ability and relationships with others. Responds more to peer group influences

Emotional…cont’ Responds more to peer group influences Leads to a change in attitude & behavior Can create conflict with values previously established.

Emotional…cont’ Later years: Self identity is established Feel more comfortable with who they are Turn attention to what they may become Gain more control of their feelings Become more mature emotionally

Social Development Move away from family to association with peer groups Seek security in groups of people their age and with similar problems and conflicts Develops a more mature attitude and patterns of behavior, that is associated with adult behavior of status.

Needs: Reassurance, support, and understanding along with basic needs Conflict & feelings of inadequacy & insecurity can develop problems: Eating disorders, ETOH abuse, suicide *problems occur in other stages, but are most frequently associated with this period

Problems: Eating disorders: develop from an excessive concern with appearance Anorexia Nervosa: Drastic reduction of food intake, or No intake at all Causes metabolic disturbances, excessive wt loss, weakness, and death if not treated

Problems: Bulimia: alternately binges and purges, or refusal to eat. Induces vomiting, uses laxatives Both conditions are more common in females than males Usually needs psychological or psychiatric help to treat

Problems: Substance Abuse: used to relieve anxiety or stress, peer pressure, escape from emotional or psychological problems, experimentation instant gratification, or heredity or cultural factors can influence use. Can lead to total dependence, physical and mental disorders. Treatment: Total rehabilitation

Suicide: One of the leading causes of death Reasons for suicide: depression, grief or loss of love affair, failure in school, inability to meet expectations, influence of suicidal friends or parents, lack of self esteem. Impulsive nature of adolesence increases the possibility of suicide

Suicide Warning Signs: Verbal statements: “ I’d rather be dead; You’d be better off without me” Sudden changes in appetite and sleep habits Withdrawals and moodiness Excessive fatigue or agitation ETOH or drug abuse Loss of interest in hobbies or other aspects of life

Suicide: Individuals are calling for help and attention: Usually respond to efforts of assistance Should never be ignored! Prevention of Suicide: Provide support and understanding Psychological or psychiatric counseling