title: Talking to teens about family problems. An opportunity for prevention.
abstract: Most pediatricians do not screen for family problems as part of routine adolescent health care. This study documents fears, worries, and concerns about family issues expressed by 147 teenagers on a confidential questionnaire during consecutive initial visits to an adolescent medicine clinic in a university hospital setting. Among the salient findings, 44% had thought about running away from home, 42% reported having been subjected to some form of abuse, and 33% had felt like hurting themselves or someone else. Twenty-eight percent reported conflict in their home, 27% were having problems with their family, and 20% were concerned about their parent's relationship. In addition, 27% worried about the physical or mental health of family members and 22% believed that a family member had a problem with alcohol or other drugs. Twelve percent did not have a confidant with whom to discuss their innermost concerns. The data demonstrate a high frequency of stressful and anxiety-provoking family situations as reported by adolescents on a confidential questionnaire. Pediatricians who wish to provide comprehensive services to their young adult patients must be prepared to discuss such issues on a routine basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse 13210, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Cavanaugh
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Henneberger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D013315:Stress, Psychological