Adolescence is the period of time from late childhood through adulthood, encompassing the period from approximately 10 to 21 years of age (1, 2). This is a phase of rapid physical growth and psychosocial development, which results in opportunities to promote healthy behaviors. Exploring identity and taking risks is a normal part of this developmental stage but can also lead to unsafe behaviors. Some of the specific considerations for this age group include:
Psychosocial development, including cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as development of autonomy
Exploring sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity
Reproductive health, including contraception and pregnancy
Medical issues, including weight management, new or chronic disease, and injuries
References
1. World Health Organization. Adolescent health. Accessed August 18, 2026.
2. Hagan JF, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, (4th ed). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017
Common Health Issues in Adolescents
The leading causes of death and disability among adolescents in the United States are unintentional injuries (eg, from firearms, motor vehicle crashes, and drug overdose) (1, 2). Physical trauma due to intentional injury (eg, homicide, suicide) is also common among adolescents. Also, concussions may occur as a result of athletic or other activities.
Substance use is a significant health concern in general and is an important issue in adolescents (3, 4). Health education, prevention, screening, and early detection are necessary to avoid short-term and long-term consequences.
Mental health disorders commonly emerge during adolescence (5). The COVID-19 pandemic and the global response to it, including disruptions in home and school schedules, had a significant effect on the mental health of adolescents that continues to the present. In addition, the negative impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents is becoming more clear.
Sexual and reproductive issues become important as adolescents explore their sexuality and may be exposed to sexual expectations or behavior from peers or others. Sexual health issues may include the following:
Developing healthy intimate relationships
Safer sex practices
Sexual abuse or other types of sexual trauma
Exploration of gender identity may also occur during this time.
Although most adolescents have good physical and mental health, approximately 12 to 38% of adolescents live with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease (6, 7, 8).
Obesity is common during adolescence and is often associated with comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (9). 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 (10).
Although not common, cancers that occur most frequently in adolescents include leukemia, lymphoma, bone sarcomas, soft-tissue sarcomas (eg, rhabdomyosarcoma), central nervous system tumors, germ cell tumors, and thyroid cancer (11, 12).
Common health issues references
1. Goldstick JE, Cunningham RM, Carter PM. Current Causes of Death in Children and Adolescents in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(20):1955-1956. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2201761
2. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Leading Causes of Death. Accessed August 18, 2026.
3. Volkow ND, Han B, Einstein EB, Compton WM. Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders by Time Since First Substance Use Among Young People in the US. JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(6):640-643. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.6981
4. Simon KM, Levy SJ, Bukstein OG. Adolescent Substance Use Disorders. NEJM Evid. 2022;1(6):EVIDra2200051. doi:10.1056/EVIDra2200051
5. Baird S, Choonara S, Azzopardi PS, et al. A call to action: the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing. Lancet. 2025;405(10493):1945-2022. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00503-3
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health: 2018-2019 National Survey of Children's Health. Accessed October 27, 2024.
7. Sawyer SM, Drew S, Yeo MS, Britto MT. Adolescents with a chronic condition: challenges living, challenges treating. Lancet. 2007;369(9571):1481-1489. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60370-5
8. Denny S, de Silva M, Fleming T, et al. The prevalence of chronic health conditions impacting on daily functioning and the association with emotional well-being among a national sample of high school students. J Adolesc Health. 2014;54(4):410-415. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.09.010
9. Hannon TS, Arslanian SA. Obesity in Adolescents. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(3):251-261. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp2102062
10. Hornberger LL, Lane MA; COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE. Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2021;147(1):e2020040279. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-040279
11. Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Giaquinto AN, Sung H, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2025. CA Cancer J Clin. 2025;75(1):10-45. doi:10.3322/caac.21871
12. Close AG, Dreyzin A, Miller KD, Seynnaeve BKN, Rapkin LB. Adolescent and young adult oncology-past, present, and future. CA Cancer J Clin. 2019;69(6):485-496. doi:10.3322/caac.21585
