Recognizing Risk Factors & Warning Signs in Adolescents

Certain conditions and circumstances make an adolescent more at risk for antisocial and/or self-destructive behaviors. Some circumstances are more predictive of problematic behavior if they occur in early or mid-adolescence as opposed to pre-adolescence or childhood.

Because adolescence is a period of significant change for a person (sexual, physical, emotional, and behavioral), strong guidance from parents and teachers can help guide a teen through these stressful and new experiences. Open communication about such topics as emerging sexual feelings and confusion about the changing relationships among peers does much to help a teenager understand that what they are experiencing is normal. Teens should not be pressured into "growing up," but should be allowed to develop their skills in an age-appropriate manner. Often the biggest conflict adolescents have with their parents is that they are expected to act like adults but are treated like children. Parents who have positive communication with their adolescents can negotiate the minefield of budding independence in a way that will protect the teen from "jumping out of the nest" too early yet allow them to experience the power of independent decision making.

Risk Factors for...

Violence

Victim of physical or sexual abuse
Brain injury
History of violent acts
Exposure to violence in community
Exposure to violence in home
Firearms in the home
Socioeconomic stresses
Antisocial attitudes/beliefs
Family attitude toward violence
Behavioral: restlessness, difficulty concentrating, risk taking
Hostility toward authority
Gang affiliation
Weak social ties
Intense anger, low frustration level

Alcohol/Drug Use

Social influences
Parents/Peers attitude toward use
Education regarding health issues
Mood disorder
Parent with substance problem
Genetic factors

Suicide

Mood disorder (bipolar especially)
Substance abuse
Family history
Previous threats, attempts
Suicide of a friend