Introduction
The most common problems adolescents face relate to growth and development, childhood illnesses that continue into adolescence, and experimentation with risky or illegal behavior. As adolescents try new behaviors, they become vulnerable to injury, legal consequences, and sexually transmitted diseases. Heterosexually active girls are at risk of becoming pregnant. Traumatic injuries, particularly from car and motorcycle accidents, are the leading cause of death and disability among adolescents. Interpersonal violence has become a particular problem among adolescents.
Adolescence is a time when mental health disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia (see Section 23, Chapter 286), can become apparent, leading to a risk of suicide. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (see Section 7, Chapter 103), are particularly common in adolescent girls.
 See the sidebar When Puberty Starts Too Early.
|
