The Medical Consultation In Adolescence
Medical consultation in adolescence requires sustained monitoring. Although it is a stage in which, in general, one is in good health, there are situations related to behaviors to which it is necessary to pay attention and provide adequate information.
The medical consultation in adolescence
The spine, posture and other issues
The medical consultation in adolescence can be an inexhaustible source of questions, since there are so many interests that are awakened in adolescence that we could spend hours and hours talking with them.
From the posture and alterations of the spine to questions related to diet and concentration in the studies are reason for approach and, sometimes, of concern.
What characteristics do adolescents have?
As for the purposes of health care, it is not good to forget that adolescents, in general, have a feeling of invulnerability that makes them think that nothing bad can happen to them. Therefore, they postpone medical health visits, except when they feel truly ill.
Adolescence as a problem
It is not good to create stigma and consider adolescence as a problem. In general, there is a significant number of adolescents and young people who study, work, respect the rules and are a source of creativity and positive transformation.
The role that adults have is definitive when it comes to helping them, always remembering that we are their parents, teachers or counselors, but not their friends. The choice of partner and vocation, as well as the search for identity are all crucial elements.
The medical consultation in adolescence: once, two or three times a year?
Recognized Scientific Societies in Adolescent Health recommend carrying out, at least, two annual visits to a professional with recognized experience in adolescent health.
The need for the professional to be specially trained is important to be able to ask open questions that help adolescents feel confident.
The motivational interview is also an appropriate resource that, in expert hands, can contribute to achieving a better relationship that is sustained over time.
Parents in consultation
Parents always have a fundamental role. However, the mode of accompaniment that should be given in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood is different. In this sense, both professionals and the family must help the progressive development of autonomy.
Confidentiality in the medical consultation in adolescence
Confidentiality means that the information that is shared in the consultation, in general, will remain under that orbit. However, it is important to clarify from the beginning that, although it will try to protect confidentiality, it may ‘break’ if there is a situation that puts the health of that adolescent or young person at risk.
In that case, with the consent of the adolescent, the youth will be informed or assisted in sharing such information with their parents.
To consider
It is not uncommon to see and hear that many times parents, when their children reach adolescence, must neglect them. And there is nothing more wrong, since adolescents require our attention and accompaniment, surely, in a different way and helping them to develop as autonomous beings.
Finally
Adolescence is a time of inspiration and positive transformation. And, in this sense, the support that we adults provide can generate substantial changes in their lives and projects.
