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A Framework for Adolescent Disorder: Some Clinical Presentations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

R. Framrose*
Affiliation:
Tayside Psychiatric Service for Children and Young People, Polyclinic 2A, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD2 1UB

Abstract

Seven frequently-occurring, more or less stereotyped, adolescent presentations are described to illustrate the relevance of a specific clinical framework for adolescent disorder. This recognizes the maturational background in adolescence, the family involvement in this process and the various factors that can affect it. Disorder is viewed in terms of inappropriate identity choice at this time, a state of maturational deadlock, and can be categorized according to the types and severity of the maladaptive responses. Treatment, capitalizing on the adolescent's state of change and flux, concentrates on more adaptive future identity formation, and can be most rewarding. Orthodox assessment procedures, as used with adult patients, stand the risk of reinforcing a dependent ‘psychiatric patient’ identity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists 1977 

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