Common problems in adolescents
Nowadays, as society develops more and more, people are under more pressure from current social life in all aspects. Most adolescents today have better physical health development than before, but when it comes to mental health, the rate of encountering many difficulties is increasing. Related medical conditions commonly experienced by adolescents are related to growth and development, school problems, childhood illnesses that progress into adolescence, mental health disorders, and the consequences of dangerous or illegal acts, including injuries, legal consequences, pregnancy, infectious diseases, and substance use disorders. Traffic accidents and injuries due to school violence are the main causes of death and disability in adolescents.
Teenage is a "Booming" age with psychological development and evolution in each person, because this stage often brings up issues about self, autonomy, sexuality, and relationships. "Who am I, where am I going, and how do I connect with everyone in my life?" are regular concerns for most adolescents at this age.
School plays an important role in the lives of teenagers. Difficulties in most areas of life at this age are often related to school.
Learning disorders may first appear when schools impose more stringent requirements, and may occur especially among bright children who have previously adapted to lower expectations.
Sometimes, mild intellectual disability that is not detected early is the cause of some of the school problems. Behavioral disorders that develop early in childhood, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, can continue to cause school problems for adolescents.
Some specific school-related issues include:
- Fear of going to school
- Absence without permission (truancy)
- Dropout
- Poor academic performance (especially changes in grades or reduced learning ability)
Between 1% and 5% of adolescents show signs of fear of going to school. This fear may be generalized or related to a specific person (a teacher or another student, since bullying can be common) or an event at school (such as a grueling physical education class). Teens may develop physical symptoms, such as stomach aches, or may simply refuse to go to school. School staff and family members should determine the reason (if any) for the fear and encourage the teen to attend school. Teens who skip school or leave school repeatedly are often determined to drop out. These adolescents often have low academic achievement and experience little success or satisfaction when participating in school-related activities. They often have high-risk behaviors, such as having unsafe sex, using drugs and using school violence.
School-related problems during the teenage years can be caused by:
- Rebellion and demand for independence (most common)
- Mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression
- Use of addictive substances
- Family conflict
- Learning disorders.
- Behavioral disorders
As teens begin to seek freedom, their desires may conflict with their parents' desire to keep them safe. Teenagers rebel in a variety of ways, such as refusing to go to school or drinking alcohol. Adolescents who are anxious or depressed may refuse treatment or stop taking prescribed medications. All of these challenging behaviors can be caused by problems at home and at school. Therefore, you should take your children to mental health centers for timely support. School problems, especially when related to learning or concentration difficulties, should be identified by clinicians along with school teachers and parents. If there is a learning disorder or disability intellectually, appropriate services should be provided through an individualized education plan. Changes in the learning environment and sometimes pharmacological treatment can be very helpful for struggling students. Youth who are struggling and at risk of dropping out of school need to be provided with more information about other educational options or vocational training and alternative programs.
