Adolescent Psychology and Mental health, recent thoughts

Adolescent Mental health

1. Chota Bachha Samzke Humko Na Dhamkana Re Adolescence Beginning of Adulthood

2. Adolescence Time of Transition From Child to adult No preveledges of Child and Benefits of adult Crucial time for emotional and Physical development Character building phase

3. Cognitive Development (historical review) Shift from concrete to formal operations, allowing for greater abstract thinking skills, symbolic reasoning and hypothetical analysis (Jean Piaget) Cognitive style is characterized by egocentricism “ magical thinking ” ; imaginary audience ” ; “ myth of immunity ” ; and “ personal fable ” ( Elkind )

4. Why we are here They are frequently asked the question by parents, “ Is this normal or a sign of pathology ? ” (e.g. moodiness, withdrawal, rebelliousness, defiance, irrationality, argumentativeness) They can be faced with teen emotions while interviewing adolescent patients that impede diagnosis and treatment.

5. My 15 year boy, Ramu , is rude, won ’ t talk at dinner,merged in mobile won ’ t share any information with us, cares more about his electronics than anything, becomes irrational when we confront him, hogs the bathroom, is highly emotionally reactive, and has lied, snuck out and drank alcohol at a party and violated our internet rules. ” “ A website on drug abuse cited these warning signs: withdrawal moodiness increased family conflict argumentativeness over-reactivity to criticism sloppiness in appearance spending time isolating in room poor attitude disrespect loss of interest in family activities. ” “ Does he have a drug abuse problem? ”

6. Adolescent Psychological Development Physical development Cognitive development Social development Identity development Moral development

7. Physical development Pubertal development Bodily changes ,Male Vs Female Alterations in sleep (and less!) Sexual interests and changes in social responses Sexual identity development

8. Cognitive Development (historical review) Shift from concrete to formal operations, allowing for greater abstract thinking skills, symbolic reasoning and hypothetical analysis (Jean Piaget) Cognitive style is characterized by egocentricism “ magical thinking ” ; imaginary audience ” ; “ myth of immunity ” ; and “ personal fable ” ( Elkind ) And then the game-changer~ Brain imaging research…

9. Emotion Brain-(limbic system) Amygdala-fear and anxiety center (fight, flight, flood) (this is an “ amygdala hijack ” in action) Also hypocampus, ventral striatum, hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens

10. Brain Maturation Recent research shows that much of which has been attributed to hormones is probably related also to changes in brain structure (Giedd, 1999). The prefrontal cortex ( “ CEO ” ) of the adolescent (~13yo) becomes pruned, sloughing off up to 40% of its neural branches, as it grows new neural connections for more sophisticated functioning. Greater refinements in neural connectivity and extensive myelination continue through adolescence; the brain does not fully mature until the early 20 ’ s.

11. Now comes Dimag Ka Teen Locha

12. Teen Brain Big engine —maturing bodies, independence-striving Poor Driver —immature PFC and judgment Faulty Brake system —immature inhibitory mechanisms in PFC High octane fuel —hormones

13. Put simply…… During adolescence, behavior is often more governed by the emotional centers than the thinking centers of the brain, especially during high arousal situations and in peer presence.

14. Adolescence : “ Storm and stress ” theory Adolescent difficulties are neither inevitable or universal Research on large populations of adolescents indicates that teens experience more rapid mood changes but no more depression/anxiety/pathology than adult samples ( Csikszentmihalyi & Larson) Surveys reveal that most adolescents describe themselves as “ mostly happy ” and are adequately adjusted (Offer)

15. Neuroendocrine system changes Testosterone in boys can increase by 100% by the end of puberty, and 20 X more than girls of same age. Amygdala has receptors for testosterone, which probably contributes to increased novelty seeking, territoriality and exploration for stimulation. Hormones have impact on neurotransmitters, moods and symptoms: norepinephrine (energizer); dopamine (pleasure); and serotonin (mood stabilization, relaxation, confidence)

16. Sensitivity of the teen brain to substances Alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine during the “ sensitive period ” of adolescence, decreasing the natural production. Heavy alcohol use interferes with memory and glutamate functioning. Nicotine stimulates dopamine supply and affects other neurotransmitters, allowing rapid addiction. Dopamine “ squirts ” result from computer games, stimulating media, gambling and other high arousal pursuits. Changes in circadian rhythms alter alert-fatigue signals, affecting memory and biorhythms

17. Social Development Desire for increased independence Preference for spending time with peers, orienting increasingly to peers for social influence and values clarification Most teens are more “ attached ” to their parents, but they prefer the company of their friends Individuation from the family Cultural context plays a large role

18. Identity development Erik Erikson ’ s major task of adolescence was constructed as “ identity v. role confusion ” (Who am I uniquely?) Researchers have documented how teens explore beliefs with various levels of “ crisis and commitment ” (e.g. religion, politics, sexuality, educational and vocational choices). By their twenties, they will have an integrated set of values reflecting their experiences and parental, generational and cultural influences .

19. Morale Sairat and Zing Zing Zingaat Vs Lakshya

20. Brain Storming Ask few Q to Yourself 1. Do you take full and complete responsibility of your action or deed. 2.Are you aware of effects of your behavior on yourself parents surroundings and society 3.What if ,if your friends don ’ t accept you? Is it so disatrous that you cant cope up with that

21. Brain Storming Who are your role models and why ? How many practical chances that you can become film star(if you have that role model).If you really determined then go for it but don ’ t copy blindly. Things shown in movies Vs. reality. Challenge your thoughts.

22. Brain Storming.Solutions Are you aware of your strong suits Are you aware about good things and abilities in you What is plan for your life in next 5,10,15 years So basically this self awareness

23. Thanks