The Teen Brain and ­ Mental Illness 3 they are being antagonized by their parents or other adults, which is why they will either ignore or lash out at them. As the body continues to develop, so does the brain. Teens are start- ing to realize that in order to be a part of the “adult” world, they need to figure out their purpose and how they are going to get there. Rather than depending on their parents, teens seek out activities, peers, and other adults who can help them find that purpose and somehow, some way, help them function in the adult world. These components in a teen’s world are huge milestones in adolescence, which is why it’s important to understand biology and typical adolescent behavior versus behaviors that are indicative of mental illness. ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR So what exactly is typical adolescent development? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as “a period of life with specific health and developmental needs and rights. It is also a time to develop knowledge and skills, learn to manage emotions and relationships, and acquire attributes and abilities that will be important for enjoying the ado- lescent years and assuming adults.”1 In addition, the WHO outlines other important key points2 such as the following: Adolescence is one of the most rapid phases of human develop- ment. Biological maturity precedes psychosocial maturity. This has implications for policy and program responses to the exploration and experimentation that takes place during adolescence. The characteristics of both the individual and the environment influence the changes taking place during adolescence. Younger adolescents may be particularly vulnerable when their capacities are still developing and they are beginning to move outside the confines of their families. The changes in adolescence have health consequences not only in adolescence but also over their life course. The unique nature and importance of adolescence mandates explicit and specific attention in health policy and programs. While development influences a teen’s behavior, there are a few things worth noting. During this period, there are several things occurring at once: physical development and cognitive development. During puberty, the most notable physical changes take on the form of increased body hair, growth spurts, and the development of the sex organs. As this transformation occurs, the brain is undergoing its own evolution,
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