ADOLESCENCE – DEFINITION, STAGES, AND CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

ADOLESCENCE – DEFINITION, STAGES, AND CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

DEFINITION OF ADOLESCENCE

• Adolescence is the transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood.

• It is a period marked by rapid physical, physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes.

• WHO defines adolescence as the age group from 10 to 19 years.

• In Ayurveda, adolescence falls under the category of Balyavastha to Youvanaavastha, transitioning from Kumaravastha to Yauvanaavastha.

📖 Sanskrit Reference:
कृष्णपाण्ड्वत्यये बालः पुमान् स्त्री च तत्र सः।
बाल्ये च कुमारो ह्येष वयसः प्रथमः स्मृतः॥
– Kashyapa Samhita, Khila Sthana, 4/3

STAGES OF ADOLESCENCE

Adolescence can be divided into three stages:

• EARLY ADOLESCENCE (10–13 years)

  • Onset of puberty

  • Beginning of physical changes

  • Increased self-awareness and body image concerns

• MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE (14–16 years)

  • Further development of secondary sexual characteristics

  • Heightened emotional responses

  • Increased independence from family

• LATE ADOLESCENCE (17–19 years)

  • Physical growth stabilizes

  • Formation of identity and future plans

  • Mature thinking and decision-making

PHYSICAL CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

• Rapid increase in height and weight (growth spurt)

• Development of secondary sexual characteristics:

  • Boys: facial hair, voice deepening, testicular enlargement

  • Girls: breast development, menstruation onset

• Increase in muscle mass (especially in boys)

• Changes in body composition and fat distribution

• Sebaceous gland activity increases → acne

• Increase in sweat gland activity

📖 Sanskrit Reference:
विकसन्ति शरीराणि धातवः स्थूलतां ययुः।
यौवनं संप्रवृत्तं स्याद् बलं वर्णश्च वर्धते॥
– Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttara Tantra, 1/28

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

• Endocrine system activation:

  • Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis matures

  • Surge in hormones like testosterone and estrogen

• Onset of menstruation (menarche) in girls

• Increase in appetite and nutritional needs

• Changes in sleep patterns: preference for late sleeping and waking

• Maturation of organ systems, especially reproductive system

📖 Sanskrit Reference:
गर्भाशयश्च सुपुष्टश्च रजो मासानुसारतः।
स्तनयोश्च विकासोऽयं यौवने लक्षणं स्मृतम्॥
– Kashyapa Samhita, Khila Sthana, 4/11

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

• Emergence of self-identity and autonomy

• Increased emotional sensitivity and mood swings

• Development of abstract and logical thinking

• Interest in peer relationships and social interactions

• Tendency toward risk-taking behavior

• Conflicts with parents and authority figures

• Exploration of sexual identity and attraction

📖 Modern Insight:

• Frontal cortex (responsible for decision-making) is still developing → explains impulsive behavior.

• Adolescents may experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem due to bodily and social changes.

MODERN PAEDIATRICS INSIGHTS ON ADOLESCENCE

• Tanner Staging is used to assess physical development.

• Nutritional requirements are higher in adolescence due to growth spurts.

• Mental health awareness is essential due to vulnerability to stress, eating disorders, substance abuse, and identity crises.

• Sex education, counseling, and guidance are critical for safe transition to adulthood.

• Vaccinations like HPV, Tdap, MMR boosters, and Hepatitis B are crucial during this period.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ADOLESCENCE

• Considered the transition from Pitta dominance to Vata dominance.

• Ojus and dhatu poshana are crucial for reproductive and mental maturity.

• Brahmacharya, Pathya-Apathya ahara, and achara are emphasized to maintain physical and mental balance.

📖 Sanskrit Reference:
कायबलं च तेषां स्यात् स्त्रीणां पुरुषयोस्तथा।
शुक्रारम्भश्च यौवने, स्त्रीणां रजोऽपि तु।
– Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana, 8/17