Behavioral Health Problems of Adolescents

Question 1

Obesity

Answer 1

Most common
Increased mortality

Elevated b/p, blood cholesterol, respiratory disorders, orthopedic conditions(knee, hip pains)

BMI >30

Question 2

Anorexia Nervosa

Answer 2

Extreme weight loss

Low weight

Fine/downy hair on back/shoulders to keep them warm

Mottled, cool extremities

Decrease in pulse, body temp

Irregular heart rate

** if pulse gets too low, an cause arrhythmia and long QT syndrome leading to death

Question 3

Bulimia

Answer 3

Binging & purging

Laxatives

Can have bad stomach ulcers and awful tooth decay/rotting

Weight is usually normal or slightly above
*we weigh them daily in the same clothes and the same scale and turn them away because they’re addicted to the number

Parotid gland becomes enlarged

Syncope

Prolonged QT INTERVAL, cardiac arrhythmias, russkes sign: bite marks on knuckles

Question 4

Substance abused

Answer 4

Tobacco

Alcohol: violence, suicide, accidental injury, death

• begin use in middle school
• 60% of seniors=monthly use
• 80-90% of seniors have used

Marijuana:

• gateway drug
• medicinal purposes (Marinol) pill form

Opiates/heroine

• constricted pupils
• respiratory depression (narcan on hand)
• needle mark locations: behind ears, behind knees, between toes, groin area

Cocaine:

• injected & smoked
• euphoria
• seizures
• constant bloody nose

Question 5

Suicide

Answer 5

Cannot guarantee confidentiality

Drug overdose #1
Lacerations #2

Participating factors:
Depression, breakup, fight with friend, death of family member/pet/friend, humiliating experience, bullying, trouble with police, bad grades

Cutting of wrists, little cuts aren’t a suicide attempt unless they’re huge long cuts