Adolescence is the stage of growth and development that occurs from age 11 to 21. This period is marked by major physiologic, cognitive and behavioral changes that take place before a youngster reaches adulthood.

During this stage of development, children complete puberty (sexual maturation) and physical growth. Generally, an adolescent’s weight almost doubles and height increases by 15 to 20 percent by the time they reach adulthood. Teenagers develop important social, emotional and cognitive (intellectual) skills and also strive toward independence and autonomy. All these changes are necessary for adolescents to become mature, capable adults.

Adolescent development progresses through three stages: early (about age 11 to 13), middle (age 14 to 18) and late adolescence (age 19 to 21). Each period is usually marked by distinct characteristics of growth and development. It should be noted that the exact time frame for physical growth and sexual maturation may vary among healthy adolescents. The environment, gender and heredity can affect the rate at which adolescents develop and reach puberty.

Adolescence can be a challenging time for teenagers and their families. Adolescents must deal with rapid changes in physical appearance, hormonal fluctuations and physical abilities. Teenagers also face growing pressure to conform to social trends, peer pressure and increased expectations from family, teachers and other adults.

Adolescents often struggle with an increasing need to belong in society. As a result, many spend more time with friends than family. This allows teens to develop and practice social skills. However, it is also within this setting that adolescents can face issues regarding peer pressure, sexual intercourse and experimentation with alcohol and drugs.

Adolescents commonly start questioning parental authority and may show signs of rebelliousness. This can create a lot of tension within a teen’s family. For some adolescents, these tensions can be aggravated by environmental factors, such as a dysfunctional family, inadequate education, and living in poverty and/or high-crime neighborhoods. Such factors can put adolescents at increased risk for dropping out of school, running away from home, joining gangs, developing substance abuse or dependence, sexual promiscuity, pregnancy and other types of self-destructive behaviors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of death among adolescents in the United States – accidents, homicides and suicide – are largely preventable ones. Motor vehicle accidents account for the largest number of accidental deaths among teenagers. American Indian and Alaska Native males have the highest death rates related to motor vehicle accidents. Protective factors for avoiding accidental death resulting from automobile accidents include wearing seat belts, not driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not riding in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.

The second overall leading cause of death among adolescents, homicide, is the leading cause of death for young African Americans, the second leading cause for young Hispanics and the third leading cause for young American Indians, Alaska Natives and Asian/Pacific Islanders. The vast majority of victims of homicide are adolescent males. This may be because males are more likely to be involved in a physical fight than females.

Common feelings of stress, confusion and depression from circumstances related to family, academic and social life may overwhelm some young people and lead them to think that suicide can provide an escape or solution. The vast majority of suicides are committed by males, according to the CDC. American Indian and Alaskan Native adolescents have the highest rate of suicide.