[The responsibility of medicine in adolescence]

Abstract

Adolescence is a not very well defined time period between childhood and the adult age. The self esteem of an adolescent is neither that one of a child nor that one of an adult. If somatic, psychologic or psychosomatic complications or problems occur within this period, most of the adolescents disagree to be treated by a pediatrician, but they also disagree to be treated by "doctors for the elderly". Most of the complications or problems are specific for that age period; they are not well known to all medical doctors. Because of these reasons, specialists in adolescent medicine are mandatory for proper treatment. The most important problems or complications are dealing with puberty (early or delayed puberty, acne), growth, sexuality and sexual behavior, contraception, chronic disease and drugs.