Problems

of Adolescence
Presented by
Meera
Ann
What is Adolescence?
It is a vital stage of growth and
development
A period of transition
from childhood to
adulthood
 The World Health
Organization (WHO)
defines an adolescent
as any person between
ages 10 and 19.
 Characterized by rapid
physiological and psychological
change
 ADOLESCENT
FACE PROBLEMS
IN :
Developing and identity
Managing emotions
Building relationships
Resisting peer pressure
Acquiring information on
issues of adolescence
Communicating and
negotiating safer life
situations
Some
common
behavior
problems in
adolescence
are :
• Sex, alcohol and drugs
• Increased use of communication
devices and social media
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Lying or hiding facts
• Defying rules and arguing
• Drastic changes in appearance
• Decreased communication
• Spending more times with friends
 Adolescence
The period of adolescence lasts till the
individual becomes a young man or young women.
Starts with puberty after 12 years of age.
Age 13 and 19 is called teenage.
Adolescent is a general term for teenagers of all
sex.
It is period of life that leads to reproductive
maturity of a person
 Adolescent and
Depression
• The World Health
Organization (WHO)
defines an
adolescent as any
person between
ages 10 and 19.
• The transitional
stage
from childhood to
adulthood.
• Represents one of
• Depression (major
depressive disorder)
is a common and
serious medical
illness that negatively
affects how you feel,
the way you think
and how you act.
•It has a cluster of identifiable
symptoms
•It can affect anyone; no one is
immune
•It runs in families
•It is linked to parts of the brain
•It is treatable
Adolescent Depression
• At this age they try to find who they are and
where they fit socially.
• Changing relationship with parents is what
cause depression most.
• Can be extremely intense with hormonal
changes.
• Emotional instability is a part of adolescence.
 Adolescent Development
This transitional period can bring up issues of
independence and self-identity.
many adolescents and their peers face tough
choices regarding school, sexuality, drugs, alcohol,
and social life.
Children who are entering adolescence are going
through many changes.
 Physical changes
 Intellectual changes
 Social changes
 Emotional changes
Physical changes

The growth spurt (an early Intellectual changes

sign of maturation)
Higher level of thinking than
Primary sex characteristics that of children.
(changes in the organs directly
related to reproduction)  Adolescents think in terms of
what might be true, rather than just
Secondary sex characteristics what they see is true.
(bodily signs of sexual maturity
that do not directly involve
reproductive organs)
Emotional changes

Feeling hopeless or empty

Irritable or annoyed mood

Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters

Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities

Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends

Low self-esteem

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

 Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-
criticism

 Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for

excessive reassurance

 Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and

remembering things

 Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak

 Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

 Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no

apparent reason
 Social changes
• Very self conscious

• Increased expectations

• Changing relationships-consider approval of friends

and other adolescents or peers as very important

• Area of specific interests and social contacts get

widened.
 Spot Adolescent Depre
Estimates from a study published
in American Family Physician state that up to 15
percent of children and adolescents have some
symptoms of depression.

The symptoms of depression can often be

difficult for parents to spot. Sometimes,
depression is confused with the typical feelings
of puberty and teenage adjustment.
According to the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), some signs of
adolescent depression include:
•Appearing sad, irritable, or tearful

•Changes in appetite or weight

•A decreased interest in activities your child once found pleasurable

•A decrease in energy

•Difficulty concentrating

•Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

•Major changes in sleeping habits

•Regular complaints of boredom

•Talk of suicide

•Withdrawal from friends or after-school activities

•Worsening school performance

What Causes Adolescent Depression?
• Differences in the Brain
(brains of adolescents are structurally different than the
brains of adults.)

• Teens with depression can also have hormone differences

and different levels of neurotransmitters. (Neurotransmitters
are key chemicals in the brain that affect how brain cells
communicate with one another and play an important role in
regulating moods and behavior.)

• Inherited Traits
(Research shows that depression has a biological
component. It can be passed down from parents to their
children.)
• Normal process of maturing
• Independence conflicts with parents
• Death of loved ones
• Relationship break up
• Failure at school
• Child abuse
• Chronic illnesses
• Poor social skills
Making the Diagnosis of Major Depression
•Five or more symptoms for two or more weeks

• At least one symptom must be change in mood or the

loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

• Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or

impairment in functioning: socially, academically, or
emotionally
 Treatment of Major Depression
•Medications: antidepressants

• Individual psychotherapy

• Education and support

• Family therapy

• Individual responsibility

• Family involvement and/or family therapy

• Control of negative behaviors: alcohol abuse, substance abuse,

eating disorders, and cutting