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Thursday 4 June 2026

Peer Reviewed

Psychological medicine

How to listen and talk to an adolescent patient

Michael Carr-gregg

Recent articles on:
Talking with patients

Effective clinician communication: building trust and improving treatment outcomes in pain management

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Difficult doctor–patient interactions: applying principles of attachment-based care

Mental ill-health in young people: assessment and early treatment

Engaging and managing an unwilling or aggressive young person

Recent articles on:
Adolescent health

Beyond the wheeze – a fresh look at adolescent asthma

Adolescent vaccination: the important role of GPs

Osteoporosis in children and adolescents: identifying causes and preventing future fractures

Abnormal menstrual bleeding in young women: when to investigate

Chronic pain – complexities in adolescents and young adults

Abstract

How to break down any barriers in communication with your adolescent patients.

Key Points

Adolescent patients have specific health problems, needs and concerns. These problems and needs differ substantially from those of adults or children. From a promoting health and preventing illness point of view, adolescence is a particularly important time because it is in these years that many health behaviours are formed and many health problems begin. Choices made by young people often have a considerable impact on their health as adults. By focusing on preventing disease and promoting health during youth, long lasting health benefits will follow.