BRIGHT FUTURES TOOL FOR PROFESSIONALS

Adolescence Checklist
The following list highlights key topics to consider in promoting mental health in adolescence. These topics
may be discussed selectively during office visits, depending on the needs of the adolescent and family.

Self Community
Self-esteem, including School, including
Parental support Transition from middle school/junior high
Peer influence school to high school
Resilience and handling failure Academic success
Homework
Mood, including
Extracurricular activities
Stability of moods
Absenteeism, dropping out
Depression
Transition from high school to college or
Suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts) and
work
behaviors
High-risk behaviors and risk factors,
Body image, including
including
Physical appearance
Substance use
Weight
Violent behaviors
Sexuality, including Firearm use
Sexual development/puberty Exposure to violence
Sexual behavior
Sexual identity Bridges
Parental expectations and communication Opportunities for early identification and
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, intervention, including
including HIV/AIDS Anxiety problems and disorders
Pregnancy Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Sexual abuse and rape Child maltreatment
Eating disorders
Family Learning problems and disorders
Independence and responsibility, including Mental retardation
Importance of family support in adolescence Mood disorders: depressive and bipolar
Increased independence disorders
Increased influence of peers Obesity
Parental expectations and limit setting Oppositional and aggressive behavior
Family conflict Pervasive developmental disorders
Substance use
Friends
Peer relationships, including Notes
Peer support
Peer influence

Cite as: National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health. 2002. Adolescence checklist. In Jellinek M, Patel BP,
Froehle MC, eds., Bright Futures in Practice: Mental HealthVolume II. Tool Kit. Arlington, VA: National Center for Education in
Maternal and Child Health.

www.brightfutures.org

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