A.W.O.L.: the missing teenage brain and the impact on mental health

by Richard Daniel Curtis

Overview

A book for parents of teens or preteens, teachers and professionals.

 

Adolescence is a turbulent time for young people.  Not only do they have to cope with the external pressures surrounding them, such as relationships, academic and peers, they also form their adult personalities.

In addition, there are major changes happening in their body, the physical

changes caused by puberty are combined with a massive rewiring in their brain.  This process causes many of the higher-level functions of the brain to be

effectively shut down, causing problems with communication, self-identity,

problem-solving, emotional regulation and risk-taking.

The combination of these various factors can have a huge impact on the mental health on young people.

This book is designed to explain the changes happening in the brain during this crucial period. The book is split into four parts. The first focuses on the physical changes in the body and brain. In the second, the author explains the mental health conditions commonly diagnosed during this period. The book continues with other factors that affect the mental health of teens in part three.  Finally in part four, the author shares practical strategies for helping maintain the positive mental health of young people.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912010172
Publisher:	TKC Ltd
Publication date:	07/29/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	214
File size:	672 KB

About the Author

Richard Daniel Curtis is respected internationally for his understanding of psychology, behaviour and mental health. He is known as The Kid Calmer and his work is said to have influenced over half a million children's lives. He has written several books, including The Parent's Guide to the Modern World and the companion book The Young Person's Guide to the Modern World.

Table of Contents

Introduction    1
Part One Adolescence
Adolescent Changes    11
Physical    13
Psychosexual    19
Psychosocial    23
Attachment    27
Spiritual    29
Summary    32
The Brain    35
Changes in the Brain during Puberty    39
Dopamine loops    43
The Impact of Puberty    49
The Impact of the Physical Changes in the Body    49
The impact of the changes of the brain    53
The Impact on Sleep    57
The Impact on Attitude    61
The Impact of Alcohol, Sex and Drugs    65
The impact on mental health    73
Part Two Mental Health Problems
Common Mental Health Problems    79
Anxiety    83
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders    93
Eating Disorders    99
Depression    105
Psychosis    111
Self-harm    117
Suicide    119
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome    123
Loss and Grief    125
What to do if you are Concerned    131
Possible treatments    133
Part Three Other Factors Affecting Mental Wellbeing
Self-Security and Trust    141
Recognising Emotions    149
Coping with Emotions    155
Coping with Stress    161
Social Lives    169
Romantic Relationships    173
Technology    179
Online relationships    185
Part Four Strategies for Resilience and Good Mental Health
Healthy Sleep    191
Healthy Eating    195
Healthy Exercise    201
Goal Setting    205
Self-Motivation    209
Relaxation    215
Support Networks    221
Types of conversation    223
Parents    225
Teachers    227
Family    229
Mentors    231
Friends and romantic partners    233
Other professionals    235
Back Matter
References and Further Reading    241
Books    241
Research and Articles Referred to    242
About the Author    251