Adolescent moods

Adolescent Moods

While adolescence is the time when we are physically most healthy, it is the most difficult emotionally. The adolescent has a number of developmental tasks; becoming used to a markedly changed body, developing their own identity, learning to be able to be intimate, developing a sexual identity and preparing to become economically independent. Recently there has been much interest in a study which showed that a hormone that has a calming effect in young children and adults has the opposite effect in adolescence. This was shown in adolescent mice – it will be some time before it is demonstrated in humans and even longer before anything can be done about it. However, it may explain why adolescents fly off the handle so easily.

Also, sometimes your teenager is in “child: mode" and sometimes in “young adult” mode. It is necessary for adults to work this out and respond appropriately depending on whether it is the “child” or “adult” talking.

Some adolescents have difficulties in completing all the tasks listed above. This may lead to serious consequences (suicide, drug taking, unacceptable risk taking such as driving cars fast) but it is important to realize that most will successfully complete these tasks at their own rate. During this time of uncertainty they may adopt the behaviour of a peer or adult model which can be quite distressing to other family members and friends.

A classic study by Parcel and co-workers in 1977(1) showed that the majority of adolescents wanted their doctors to supply information about drugs, sex, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control and getting along with parents. 1 in5 also wanted help with one (or more) of the following – acne, depression, obesity and sexuality. More recent studies have shown similar results.

If an adolescent is having troubles, a very useful idea is to send them to a service for adolescents only – no parents allowed. These can be found in the telephone book. If you wish to accompany your adolescent, your local doctor is probably the first port of call. Parental presence may stop the adolescent from expressing their true concerns. I might have talked about acne with my parents present, but any of the other topics – NO WAY!

1 Parcel G S, Nader P K, Myer M P. Adolescent health concerns, problems and patterns of utilization in a triethnic urban population. Paediatrics, 1977, 60, 157-164