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10 – 20 years (including me)

The second decade of life is dominated by adolescence, which is the transition from childhood into adulthood. Adolescence is characterised by changes not only in physical development, but in psychological, social and mental development. In fact, the major disorders of adolescence are mental disorders, such as ADHD, eating disorders, and depression. Three times as many girls suffer depression as boys. Boys are more likely to commit suicide, and two-thirds of all adolescent deaths are due to accidents or suicide. The most common conditions suffered by young people in this age group are headache, asthma, colds, dental problems, hay fever, musculoskeletal problems, sore throats/coughs and skin problems (including eczema and acne). The main reasons this age group goes to the doctor are for respiratory diseases, “female problems”, digestive conditions and musculoskeletal conditions.

Following are some of the changes that take place during this exciting period of growth and sexual maturity:

BONES AND TEETH

The bones continue to grow longer and stronger as the cartilage is replaced by bone. Growth of bones stops when all of the cartilage is finally replaced by bone, and by the age of 18 the muscles have become fully developed.
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