PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS OF ADOLESCENCE

Commonly encountered problems relating to the emotional and social development of the adolescent will be discussed in this paper. For many young persons, the adolescent period is one in which a relative disequilibrium, physiologic and psychologic, must be coped with. The familiar physical changes of puberty usher in a period in which the relative stability of the prepubescent period is disrupted. Physical growth and development, shift and change in endocrine balance, accompanying change in social and educational relationships conspire to impose a difficult task of adjustment on the adolescent. I shall endeavor to review some of the chief areas in which reactions characteristic for or emphasized by the adolescent are encountered.

PHYSICAL DISABILITY  With respect to problems of physical health, the adolescent is in a vulnerable position. He has little tolerance for the threat of illness or disability; this is particularly true for the boys. Physical disability of any sort