PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS -

1.       Accidental injury -

Automobile accidents are no. 1 killers of adolescents, as they drive often fast.

2.       Depression -

It includes sad & unhappy appearance, difficulty in sleeping.

3.       Suicide -

It is on increase in adolescents. Rate is higher in boys than in girls.

4.       Substance Abuse -

Most substance abuse begins in adolescence. It includes smoking, drinking, drug use.

5.       Eating disorders -

These are abnormal patterns of handling food for fear of obesity & disfigurement of body.

Anorexia nervosa & bulimia are common eating disorders.

Anorexia - In it persons believe themselves to be fatty & develop an aversion to food. They may lead to life threating weight loss.

Bulimia - Patient resorts to repeated excessive eating followed by self induced vomiting & puging.

6.       Violence -

There are often quarrels at playgrounds, traffic jams, fairs, sexual, physical & emotional abuse is common in adolescents. It is resulted in to depression, anxiety & headache.

7.       Pregnancy -

Premarital sexual intercourse is on the rise among adolescents.

Very young pregnant teenagers have a higher incidence of anaemia & toxemia. Their babies are premature, under weight & often have respiratory problems.

8.       STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease) -

Also called veneral disease. Major STDs are syphlis, gonorrhoea. Another disease related to sex is AIDS.

9.       Hypochondria (undue concern about health) -

Late developers often suffer from anxiety & undue concern with health.

10.     Neurasthenia -

Inability to concentrate on or enjoy things, may lead to irritability, fatigue, insomnia, depression & headache.