ABIM Adolescent study guide
ABIM Adolescent · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Adolescent Medicine is an ABIM subspecialty credential for physicians who already hold certification in a primary specialty and who want formal recognition of their expertise in the care of patients from puberty through young adulthood. Candidates generally come from internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine training, and the credential signals that they can manage the biologic, psychologic, and social dimensions of adolescent health rather than only the adult or pediatric version of a problem. The ABIM Adolescent study guide has 10 sections and about 2,453 words.
01Normal Adolescent Growth, Development, and Psychosocial Milestones
Puberty is a staged process best described with Tanner staging of breast development, pubic hair, genital development, and menarche. In girls, breast budding typically begins between ages 8 and 13; menarche follows thelarche by about 2–2.5 years.
329 words, about 2 min02Adolescent Health Maintenance, Screening, and Immunization
Every adolescent should have an annual preventive visit with confidential time. Use a structured psychosocial interview such as HEEADSSS (home, education/employment, eating, activities, drugs, sexuality, suicide/depression, safety) and explain confidentiality and its limits at the start.
252 words, about 1 min03Adolescent Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders
Major depressive disorder requires at least two weeks of depressed mood or irritability, or anhedonia, plus four or more symptoms such as sleep change, appetite change, fatigue, guilt, poor concentration, psychomotor change, or suicidal ideation. Adolescents often present with irritability rather than sadness.
272 words, about 1 min04Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health
Adolescents can often consent confidentially to contraception and STI care under state law, but rules vary. Offer the full method mix, emphasizing long-acting reversible contraception (implants and intrauterine devices) as first-line, plus condoms for dual protection.
244 words, about 1 min05Substance Use and Misuse in Adolescents
Use a brief validated screen such as CRAFFT: Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family/Friends, Trouble. A score of 2 or more suggests a problem and warrants brief intervention and further assessment.
239 words, about 1 min06Eating Disorders, Nutrition, and Obesity
Anorexia nervosa involves restriction, fear of weight gain, and body image disturbance; atypical anorexia occurs at normal weight. Bulimia nervosa involves binge-purge behavior; binge-eating disorder involves binges without purging; ARFID involves avoidance without body image concerns.
208 words, about 1 min07Chronic Illness, Disability, and Transition to Adult Care
Transition is a planned, longitudinal process, not a single transfer at age 18. Start by early adolescence (12–14) by building health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making.
218 words, about 1 min08Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal, and Exercise-Related Concerns
The preparticipation examination focuses on cardiac symptoms, prior concussion, musculoskeletal injury, heat illness, and substance use. Ask about syncope, chest pain, palpitations, and family history of sudden cardiac death.
232 words, about 1 min09Infectious Disease, Dermatology, and Common Ambulatory Presentations
Acne vulgaris is treated with benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics; oral antibiotics are adjuncts. Isotretinoin is for severe or refractory disease and requires pregnancy prevention and monitoring.
216 words, about 1 min10Legal, Ethical, Confidentiality, and Health Systems Issues in Adolescent Care
Minors' consent laws vary by state. Many allow confidential consent for STI testing and treatment, contraception, pregnancy care, and some mental health care.
243 words, about 1 min