Children's Health

Your child's doctor can help you discuss difficult issues with your adolescent if you ever are having trouble doing so on your own. Keep in mind that important subjects, such as sex, should be addressed long before you think your child will face them.

Talk to your child's doctor if you are concerned about your child's health or other issues. For example:

• A significant delay in physical or sexual development-for example, if puberty has not begun by age 14.
• Becoming sexually active. Teens who are sexually active need to be educated about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Being overweight. A doctor can help guide weight loss and proper nutrition.
• A significant change in appetite, weight, or eating behaviors. These may signal an eating disorder.
• Severe acne.
• Struggling to understand or use spoken or written language. Having learning problems in school could be a sign of a learning disability.
• Showing signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-such as inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity-that are causing problems at home or school.

Call a doctor or a mental health professional if your child develops behavioral problems or signs of mental health problems. Signs may include:

• Expressing a lack of self-worth.
• Acting physically aggressive.
• Dropping out of school or failing classes.
• Drinking alcohol or using drugs or tobacco.
• Having serious relationship problems with friends and family that affect home or school life.
• Showing signs of depression, such as a lack of interest in normal activities and withdrawing from others.
• Regularly experiencing severe mood swings, such as being happy and excited one minute and sad the next.

Also be aware that these problems can sometimes be warning signs of suicide.

For more information, see the topic Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse, or Depression in Children and Teens.