ABP Adolescent study guide
ABP Adolescent · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Adolescent medicine is an ABP subspecialty certification established through a collaboration among the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Family Medicine. It is intended for physicians who already hold a primary certificate in pediatrics, internal medicine, or family medicine and who have completed accredited fellowship training in adolescent medicine, and who want that subspecialty expertise recognized through board certification. The ABP Adolescent study guide has 5 sections and about 1,643 words.
01Normal Adolescent Growth, Development, and Puberty
Puberty begins when the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator reawakens after a decade of quiescence, driving LH/FSH pulses that mature the gonads (gonadarche). Adrenal androgens rise separately (adrenarche) and may produce pubic and axillary hair before gonadarche.
359 words, about 2 min02Adolescent Health Maintenance, Preventive Care, and Screening
Adolescents should have a preventive visit every year from 11 through 21. Its core is a confidential, structured psychosocial interview (HEEADSSS: Home, Education/Employment, Eating, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/depression, Safety) conducted with the parent out of the room.
354 words, about 2 min03Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health
Irritability and somatic complaints (headache, stomachache, fatigue) often replace classic sadness in adolescent depression; withdrawal and falling grades may be the only visible signs. Diagnose only when symptoms last two weeks or more, cause impairment, and represent a change from baseline - ordinary moodiness is brief, reactive, and does not cost function.
303 words, about 2 min04Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sexual health care works only when the teen trusts it. Explain what will be shared before asking questions; many jurisdictions allow minors to consent to STI testing, contraception, and pregnancy care, but rules vary and should be verified rather than assumed.
331 words, about 2 min05Chronic Illness, Substance Use, and Other Adolescent Health Conditions
Adolescence is when adherence collapses: the teen wants to fit in, resents supervision, and takes risks. Asthma control worsens with vaping, smoking, and inhaled corticosteroid underuse; diabetes control deteriorates with missed insulin and with insulin omission for weight loss.
296 words, about 1 min