What is adolescent medicine and how can it benefit young adults

Children's HealthSEPTEMBER 09, 2024

The adolescent and young adult years (ages 10-26) can be an exciting time of growth. However, it's also a time of physical changes that can bring mental and emotional challenges.

Adolescence is a time of important development that has a big impact on the trajectory of a person's life. Seeing an adolescent medicine specialist can provide more support to help ease the transition into young adulthood.

Adolescent medicine physician, Laura Prakash, explains why adolescent medicine might be helpful for some younger patients.

What is adolescent medicine?

Adolescent medicine is also known as adolescent and young adult medicine. It's a subspecialty that focuses on the care and wellbeing of adolescents and young adults.

During the adolescent and young adult years, youth experience many physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and moral developmental changes. This includes critical brain development that directly impacts their evolving independence from their parents.

Adolescent medicine specialists are trained to help patients with these specific challenges.

See the services we offer in adolescent medicine

What age are patients seen in adolescent medicine?

Adolescent medicine patients are generally between the ages of 10 and 26. Some patients may be seen younger or older if their medical needs are related to things commonly seen in the adolescent years.

What do adolescent medicine providers do?

Adolescent medicine physicians are trained to focus on the clinical and research needs of this age group. They have a deeper understanding of development within this age group. They also have unique expertise to identify, treat and prevent conditions for these ages.

An adolescent medicine provider plays a critical role in caring for both acute and chronic adolescent medical needs. These providers can also help patients develop skills to become healthy and thriving young adults.

What conditions do adolescent medicine providers treat?

Adolescent medicine physicians can manage and treat the following conditions:

• Skin problems related to acne
• Eating and weight-related disorders
• Pediatric to adult related transition concerns
• Challenges with sleep and insomnia
• High-risk behaviors and school-related challenges
• Substance use
• Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Male and female reproductive health needs, such as adolescent gynecology, birth control, menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts, and sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• Gender and sexuality care
• Many other common adolescent health conditions

Check out our adolescent and young adult medicine clinics

What is the difference between adolescent medicine and pediatrics?

Adolescent medicine at UC Davis Health is a consulting service that handles specific needs of adolescent and young adults. Our adolescent medicine providers do not provide primary care.

As with any subspecialty care, patients who see our adolescent medicine providers are strongly encouraged to have a primary care provider (such as a pediatrician). A primary care provider is critical for handling everyday health care needs and can refer to specialists.

Learn why you should partner with a primary care provider for your health

How many times do patients usually see an adolescent medicine provider?

Adolescent medicine patients are seen for an initial consultation. This includes evaluation and assessment, diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Based on the patient's diagnosis and needs, the adolescent medicine provider will identify how often the patient should be seen. They will also look at treatment plans and goals for the patient.

The patient's needs and response to the treatment plan will determine how long treatment will last. When treatment is successful, patients are transitioned back to their provider for ongoing follow-up and continued management.

What's the process for becoming an adolescent medicine patient?

Check with your or your child's insurance about seeing an adolescent medicine provider. Depending on the insurance, patients can either self-refer or be referred by their primary care provider.

Check out our 17 primary care clinics across the Sacramento region

Explore the UC Davis MIND Institute's Transition to Adulthood Clinic

This blog was reviewed by our adolescent medicine provider Laura Prakash, M.D.

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