The most common problems in adolescents relate to growth and development; childhood illnesses that continue into adolescence; mental health disorders; and the consequences of risky or illegal behaviors, including injury, legal consequences, pregnancy, and infectious diseases. Unintentional injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes and injuries resulting from interpersonal violence are leading causes of death and disability among adolescents.

Mental health problems, such as mood disorders and schizophrenia (see Mental Health Disorders in Children: Childhood Schizophrenia), may develop or first become apparent during adolescence, leading to a risk of suicide. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (see Eating Disorders: Definition of Eating Disorders), are particularly common among adolescent girls.

Last full review/revision January 2009 by Sharon Levy, MD, MPH