Depression in adolescence. A perspective.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D E Greydanus.
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This article describes one community hospital's response to the overwhelming needs of adolescents in central Iowa. It is based on the premise that many youths who have severe depression do not effectively respond to various outpatient counseling measures, and are in need of some type of inpatient treatment. Most such programs are locked psychiatric units run by child or adolescent psychiatrists. In our case, those wards already in existence are filled to capacity and cannot respond to outside needs. Placing these youth on traditional medical adolescent wards does not work, since medical staff are usually not geared to deal with the many, ever-changing mental health needs of these patients. Thus, we developed an unlocked adolescent inpatient unit with a pediatrician experienced in adolescent medicine as medical director; moreover, the program extensively utilizes psychologists, nurse-counselors, social worker-family therapists, recreation therapists, and other specialists. This program is a way for physicians trained in adolescent medicine and other appropriate persons to contribute to the complex health needs of youth; it is preferable to do this rather than send all depressed teenagers away by referrals, as seems to happen in some cases. It is also an important way for physicians and other specialists to demonstrate their expertise--both the Society for Adolescent Medicine and American Academy of Pediatrics have advocated such a demonstration--and to give physicians important training in the medical and mental health care needs of youth. Finally, the Spectrum Unit program provides a meaningful way for the primary care physician to be involved in the inpatient treatment of depressed adolescent patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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This article reviews the difficult but complex subject of abortion in adolescents. Methods of abortion are outlined and additional aspects are presented: psychological effects, counseling issues, and legal parameters. It is our conclusion that intense efforts should be aimed at education of youth about sexuality and prevention of pregnancy, utilizing appropriate contraceptive services. When confronted with a youth having an unwanted pregnancy, all legal options need to be carefully explored: delivery, adoption, or abortion. The decision belongs to the youth and important individuals in her environment. Understanding developmental aspects of adolescence will help the clinician deal with the pregnant teenagers. If abortion is selected, a first trimester procedure is best. Finally, physicians are urged to be aware of the specific, ever changing legal dynamics concerning this subject which are present in their states. Abortion is a phenomenon which has become an emotional but undeniably important aspect of adolescent sexuality and adolescent health care, in this country and around the world.
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A twenty-five year old patient with long standing anorexia nervosa and recent forced vomiting presented with a pulling sensation in her lower anterior thorax. Seven months later, callus formation over the left tenth rib was documented. Chest x-ray revealed healing fractures of the seventh, ninth, and tenth ribs. Since her oral intake of calcium was low, she was started on a regimen of milk and sun bathing. We postulate her rib fractures were the result of forced vomiting in an individual with fragile bones. The osteoporotic state may have been induced by her malnourished low-estrogen state.
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This monograph has presented a review of menstrual disorders in adolescents. It has been emphasized that health care professionals who deal with youths should consider a comprehensive approach that places the youth with a menstrual problem within the framework of her adolescent and pubertal development. Thus, a discussion of psychologic growth as well as important aspects of puberty were presented. A thorough medical history and carefully done pelvic examination remain the basis for any evaluation of these young women even in this age of rapidly-advancing medical technology. Many of the menstrual dysfunction problems are related to the sequential, physiologic events of puberty and can be effectively handled by the well-trained general clinician. Specific, complex situations should be referred to the appropriate specialist, preferably someone with an understanding of adolescence. Three basic types of menstrual disorders have been considered: dysmenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and amenorrhea. Our conclusion is that there is much the general clinician can do for the adolescent who presents with menstrual dysfunction.
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The violent adolescent presents considerable difficulty to society and to health care professionals. Thus, this discussion overviews some theories of pathogenesis regarding aggression in adolescence. There is special emphasis on related concepts of neuroanatomy and neurobiochemistry, as well as hormonal influences and the associated psychosocial environment. Literature about the importance of drug abuse and the media is also reviewed. In addition, studies relating aggression to epilepsy and electroencephalographic changes are considered. It is hoped that this paper will aid the interested clinician discern the vast and multidisciplinary literature describing aggression in adolescence. Future investigative endeavors will provide, it is hoped, more definitive biologic and social measurements to enable specific prevention and intervention strategies.
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Chlamydia trachomatis is being recognized as an important sexually transmitted disease in adolescents and young adults. This report reviews the recent literature regarding the many clinical entities encompassed by this organism; this includes urethritis and cervicitis as well as epididymitis, salpingitis, peritonitis, perihepatitis, urethral syndrome, Reiter syndrome, arthritis, endocarditis, and others. It is emphasized that many aspects of chlamydial infections parallel those of gonorrhea, including incidence, transmission, carrier state, reservoir, complications, (local and systemic), and others. A paragonococcal spectrum of sexual chlamydial disorders is discussed as well as effective antibiotic therapy. This microbiological agent must always be considered if venereal disease is suspected by the clinician in teenagers or adults. Mixed infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are common in both males and females. It may be preferable to treat gonorrhea with tetracycline to cover for this possibility.
An overview is presented of the major methods of contraception available to the sexually active adolescent. Emphasis is given to the combined birth control pill, while the literature describing absolute and relative contraindications to oral contraception is reviewed. It is noted that adolescents with chronic illness must also be evaluated for contraceptive needs. Other methods covered include the intrauterine device, barrier methods (diaphragm, condom, and vaginal contraceptives), injectable contraceptives, postcoital contraception, and methods under current investigation. The approach to each patient must be individualized, based on her coital activity, understanding of alternatives, medical status, and what method is chosen.
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