Adolescent Development PDF

Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences PST1201 Lifespan Development for Paramedics Module 4 Adolescents Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Key References Key references for this module are: – Curtis, K. & Ramsden, C. (2016). Emergency and Trauma Care 2...

Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences PST1201 Lifespan Development for Paramedics Module 4 Adolescents Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Key References Key references for this module are: – Curtis, K. & Ramsden, C. (2016). Emergency and Trauma Care 2e For Nurses and Paramedics: nil – Williams, B., Ross, L., & Grantham, H. J. M. (2020). Paramedic principles and practice : a clinical reasoning approach 2E: nil – Major themes are covered in future modules. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Adolescent Aged 12 to 19 yrs. Vital Signs RR – 15-20 breaths per minute HR – 60-100 BP systolic 110-120mmHg Temp 36 – 37.6 Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Physical Characteristics. Adolescent years. Old enough to have a baby but not old enough to drive a car!! Growth is asynchronous – meaning that the body becomes disproportioned. Growth spurt complete by 21yrs Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Physical Characteristics Males Pituitary increases testosterone levels. 6 inch height increase on average. Increased muscle bulk and strength to joints. Pubic, under arm and facial hair. Results in penis and testicle enlargement. Sexual maturity – onset of night emissions. Larynx increases in size – deeper voice Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Physical Characteristics. Females Growth spurt commences earlier @ 10-12yrs Oestrogen levels rise and effect:Breast growth and development. Pelvis becomes wider. Menarche commences. Pubic, underarm hair. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Brain development. Different uses make and enhance varied connections. Use it or lose it theory. Music and sport to involve both sides of brain development. Can begin to think and understand concepts, speculate on possibilities. Use symbols that mean something else Algebra. Frontal lobe is still immature- results in risk taking behaviours and poor judgement. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Dietary requirements. Calorie requirements - high to cope with growth demands. Nutrient requirements - high to cope with growth and development. Poor knowledge and immature frontal lobe – results in poor impulse control. Leads to poor food choices. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Adolescent Obesity 22% of Australian teenagers are considered overweight or obese. This leads to …… adult obesity, diabetes, bone fractures, cardiovascular disease. They are also at increased risk of weight based teasing and bullying. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Adolescent Health Problems 18% of teenagers have 1 health problem. Most common - sleep deprivation……. Required 8.5-9hrs per night. Many get less than 7hrs. Why???? And….. Why is this a problem for adolescents?? Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Adolescent Health Problems Leads to… Reduced ability to concentrate Increased risk of MVA Irritability Depression Poor impulse control Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Eating Disorders Binge eating disorder/Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia Nervosa Effects 80-85% female vs male Peaks in adolescence. Has been seen in as young as 5yr. Lose 25% of body weight Irrational fear of weight gain Often related to feelings of control or lack of.. 5% will die from this dysfunctional focus on body image. From cardiovascular complication and then suicide Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Eating disorders Often involves frantic exercise Risk increased for diabetics. Treatment – Cognitive behavioural therapy NGT Anti-depressants Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Cognitive Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Egocentrism An imaginary audience. Belief that other people are as concerned with our appearance and behaviour when they are not. Adolescents are overly concerned with their own thoughts and behaviours. They believe that others are watching them constantly. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences David Elkind and his Theory of Adolescence Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences David Elkind and his Theory of Adolescence Personal Fable “Because I am unique, I am not subject to the consequences others will experience”. Imaginary audience and the personal fable have useful functions in helping us to develop social awareness and allowing us to cope in a dangerous environment. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Mood swings!!!! Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Gender Differences Girls surpass boys in their verbal ability. In reading, spelling and grammar girls also lead. Culture can make an impact on this. Visuospatial awareness is an area where males shine – as a result of the toys they play with? Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Psychosocial Differences – Erikson Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Identity – who am I?? Psychosocial – who am I and what do I want to become? Self-esteem. Changes from early childhood – physical comparisons Now based more on psychological and social ideas. Less influence from parents More focus on peers. Influenced by the media Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Peers Close friends – align with similar interests and goals. Peer pressure. Peaks at 17yrs and then drops off. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Sexual Maturity. Late teens is a time for increased sexual drive. Individuals become sexually active as they begin dating. Masturbation and self discovery begin. A healthy part of development. More common in males. University of Utah study – shows that it takes 10 years for individuals who have experienced a same sex attraction to act on it and engage in relationships. Due to social pressures or discomfort/fear of acceptance. Education –peers and media. Not parents and school. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Teenage Pregnancy. Rates are lower now than 20yrs ago. Due to more availability of contraception, better education. Used to believe that if sex education was taught in school it would increase activity but the opposite is true. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Adolescent Suicide 350 in Australia For each death there is 100-200 attempts Leading cause of death for 15-44yr old Males are 3 times more likely In 2018 leading cause of death in 5-17yr old. 100 deaths. 78 of them 15-17yrs Hanging OD medication Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Australian Statistics Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Adolescent Suicide Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Australian Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Use. Smoking cigarettes has declined Vaping has now been introduced Age of 1st drink was 14.7 – now 16.2yrs Cannabis – 25% have used in the past 12 months. Has increased Methamphetamine – 2.3% used in past 12 months Cocaine & ecstasy have increased in use in the past 5yrs 10% 18% of students had deliberately sniffed inhalants Alcohol and illicit drug use is the leading cause of burden of disease. Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Why do we see adolescents? Sporting injuries Car accidents Asthma Anaphylaxis Mental Health Refers from school Social Problems Assault / Rape ETOH and Drugs Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Treating teens? So what does all this mean?? What kind of adolescents are we treating? What type of services are available for adolescents? Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Barriers to Communicating with and Treating Adolescents Technology Trauma Trust Truth Their own mental health Time Edith Cowan University School of Medical and Health Sciences Services Medicare – mental health plan Street Dr if living on the streets Lifeline and other call lines Headspace Group homes for at risk youths Counselling, psychologists, psychiatrist Bentley, PCH, FSH etc School counsellor or nurse Social workers