ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING ADOLESCENCE

• Adolescence is a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, typically ranging from 10 to 19 years as per WHO.

• This period is characterized by rapid physical growth, hormonal changes, sexual maturation, emotional turbulence, and cognitive development.

• Ayurveda describes adolescence as part of Balyavastha, transitioning towards Yauvana avastha, with increasing Pitta predominance and onset of Shukra Dhatu paripakva avastha.

CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

• कालो हि बाल्ये क्रमेण पच्यते धातूनां यौवनं ते परिपक्वता च।
  (Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttarasthana 1/8)
  Translation: Time causes gradual maturation of Dhatus, culminating in Yauvana (youth).

• शुक्राग्निवृद्ध्या देहस्य यौवनं प्रथते शुभम्।
  (Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana 6/14)
  Translation: The increase in Shukra and Agni leads to manifestation of youth.

• Ayurveda links the onset of adolescence with Pitta Dosha predominance, governing metabolism, transformation, and hormonal balance.

PHYSICAL CHANGES

• Growth Spurt:

  • Rapid increase in height and weight.

  • First visible change, more pronounced in females at ~10–12 years and in males at ~12–14 years.

• Sexual Maturity (Puberty):

  • Onset of menarche in girls (~11–13 years).

  • First nocturnal emission (spermarche) in boys (~12–14 years).

• Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics:

  • Boys: Deepening of voice, facial hair, broadening of shoulders.

  • Girls: Breast development, widening of hips, growth of pubic and axillary hair.

• Musculoskeletal Changes:

  • Increase in muscle mass and strength.

  • Rapid bone growth, leading to temporary clumsiness.

• Skin Changes:

  • Increased sebaceous gland activity, leading to acne.

  • Body odor changes due to active apocrine glands.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

• Endocrine Changes:

  • Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis.

  • Increase in hormones like GnRH, LH, FSH, resulting in testosterone (boys) and estrogen (girls) production.

• Metabolic Changes:

  • Increased Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

  • Enhanced nutritional demand for calcium, iron, proteins.

• Menstrual Cycle in Females:

  • Initially anovulatory cycles become regular over time.

  • May present with dysmenorrhea, irregular bleeding during adjustment.

• Changes in Sleep Pattern:

  • Shift toward delayed sleep phase, often causing sleep deprivation.

• Voice Modulation:

  • In boys, voice deepens due to enlargement of the larynx and vocal cords.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES

• Cognitive Development:

  • Shift from concrete to abstract thinking.

  • Development of logical reasoning, moral judgment, and critical thinking.

  • As per Piaget, this stage is Formal Operational Stage.

• Emotional Variability:

  • Mood swings due to hormonal changes.

  • Increased self-consciousness and body image issues.

• Social Development:

  • Desire for independence.

  • Peer influence becomes strong, often stronger than family.

  • Formation of identity and personal values.

• Behavioral Changes:

  • Tendency for risk-taking, rebellion, experimentation (smoking, alcohol, etc.).

  • Emotional instability, possible aggression, or withdrawal.

• Mental Health Challenges:

  • Adolescents are vulnerable to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.

  • Potential for self-harm or suicidal ideation if not addressed.

AYURVEDIC VIEW ON MIND AND EMOTION IN ADOLESCENCE

• मनःषष्ठानीन्द्रियाणि प्रकृतिस्तानि कर्मसु।
  (Bhagavad Gita Reference, applied in Ayurvedic Psychology)
  Translation: The mind, along with the five senses, drives action.

• शरीरं च मनश्चैव स्थिरं चेष्टं च कारणम्।
  (Charaka Samhita Sutra 1/56)
  Translation: The body and mind together serve as the basis for all actions.

• Imbalance of Rajas and Tamas Gunas during adolescence can lead to impulsivity, confusion, and emotional reactivity.

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES (AYURVEDIC AND MODERN)

• Ayurvedic Approach:

  • Dincharya & Ritucharya to stabilize body rhythms.

  • Medhya Rasayana (e.g., Mandukaparni, Brahmi, Shankhapushpi) to improve cognition.

  • Satvavajaya Chikitsa for emotional stability.

  • Balanced Ahara-Vihara to support growth and control Pitta-related symptoms.

• Modern Recommendations:

  • Health education on puberty, reproductive health, and personal hygiene.

  • Counseling and emotional support.

  • Nutritional supplementation: Iron, calcium, folic acid.

  • Encouraging physical activities and creative outlets.

  • Creating supportive environments at home and school.