Adolescence is the period of time from childhood until adulthood (from about age 10 to 21 years old). Although most adolescents are physically and mentally healthy, adolescence is a time when challenges or issues can arise. To keep adolescents healthy and to identify and treat problems as they develop, adolescents should receive support and guidance from parents (or guardians) and regular preventive health care.
Common health and developmental considerations in adolescents involve physical growth and psychosocial development. Related issues may involve the following:
Cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as development of independence (autonomy)
Medical issues such as weight management, childhood illnesses that continue into or develop during adolescence, and injuries
Common Health Issues in Adolescents
Mental health issues, for example, depression, anxiety disorders, and other disorders (such as schizophrenia), may develop or first become apparent during adolescence. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the mental health of many adolescents, and social media has had a complex though generally negative impact on mental health as well.
Issues related to sexual and reproductive health become important topics of conversation as adolescents explore their sexuality and may be exposed to sexual expectations or behavior from peers or others.
Specific topics that may arise include:
Developing healthy intimate relationships
Safe sex practices
Sexual abuse or other types of sex-related trauma
Exploration of gender identity may also occur during this time.
Concerns about weight may emerge during adolescence. Obesity is common during adolescence and is often associated with other disorders that occur at the same time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Addressing nutritional health and body composition concerns in adolescents requires sensitivity to the complex biological, psychological, and social factors that shape development during this period. At the same time, the prevalence of eating disorders is increasing and are also associated with poor health outcomes.
In the United States, many adolescents live with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease. Also, many adolescents are living longer after surviving a serious disorder that started in early childhood.
Unintentional injuries resulting from firearms, motor vehicle crashes, and drug overdose are leading causes of death and temporary or permanent injury among adolescents in the United States.
Intentional injuries resulting from, for example, homicide or suicide, are also very common among adolescents.
Physical injuries, such as concussions, or a brain injury resulting from head trauma, are common, particularly among athletes (see also Sports-Related Concussion). Adolescents who suffer a head injury should be evaluated by a professional who is experienced in the evaluation and treatment of this type of injury. After a concussion, adolescents should be given time to recuperate before returning to regular activities, including use of electronic devices, schoolwork, and sports. Re-entry into these activities should be supervised by a knowledgeable adult.
Substance use is also an important health concern. Screening and early diagnosis are key ways to avoid serious issues and long-term consequences.
Cancer in children is not common, but the types that occur most frequently in adolescents include leukemia, lymphoma, bone cancers, rhabdomyosarcoma, thyroid cancer, and brain and spinal cord tumors.
