Adolescent Medicine
Overview
Adolescent medicine is a core aspect of general internal medicine practice. It differs from other
subspecialties in that diagnosis is usually more complicated than treatment: The challenge is in
the evaluation of nonspecific complaints. Few diseases are specific to adolescents. General
internists should be familiar with chronic childhood diseases and should be alert to early signs
and symptoms of diseases seen in adults. Adolescent medicine includes a large behavioral
component. Some general internists develop a special expertise and focus their practice in
adolescent medicine.
Common Clinical Presentations
·
Abdominal pain (recurring)·
Amenorrhea·
Delayed development·
Depression·
Fatigue·
Headache·
Irregular vaginal bleeding·
Male breast swelling·
Poor or altered school performance (including truancy)·
Risk-taking behavior·
Surveillance after treatment of malignancy in childhood·
Weight loss or gainProcedure Skills
·
First pelvic examination·
Tanner staging (optional)Primary Interpretation of Tests
·
Height/weight growth charts (optional)Ordering and Understanding Tests
·
Wrist radiography (to determine bone age) (optional)