Psychosocial Disturbances in Young People

The book considers what is special about adolescence and what is known about the risk factors for psychosocial problems in this age period.

Since the time of the Second World War, there has been a marked rise in all sorts of psychosocial problems in young people - these include crime, suicidal behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse, depression and eating disorders. The rise has been striking because, during this same time period, the physical health of people and their living conditions have improved in most developed countries. Why have psychosocial disorders in adolescents increased? What, moreover, can be done to prevent these disorders, or at least to reduce their adverse impact? In Psychosocial Disturbances in Young People: Challenges for Prevention, experts provide an overview of important areas in adolescence, ranging from delinquency to depression, and address many key questions. The volume successfully integrates various perspectives, with a concluding chapter framing the issue of psychosocial problems in adolescence.