“Is puberty the reason my son is acting out?”
My son won't talk to me. He has troubles at school and he won't say why. His grades have been falling, and he even has gotten into fights. He's been acting out and we don't know why. Is this teenage angst a part of puberty?
4 Answers
I think puberty is a part of what’s going on, but there seems to be MUCH more. I would suggest he get some counseling to see what’s going on and how they can help, also spend time and try to talk over some good food that he likes.
Hope that helps,
Dr. Sangra
Hope that helps,
Dr. Sangra
It is common that teens become more private, but it sounds like your son is actually having some problems. I would get all the info you can from any source, school of course, other associations he has. The other thing that comes to mind in such circumstances, is possible substance use/abuse. This is definitely something a united front will be important for. Get on the same page as his dad. It would be very reasonable to begin with a visit to his PCP. Try to see things from his point of view and think about the fact that he seems to be distressed. Optimally, you will identify something you and he can both enjoy and can spend some time with him regularly and develop a relationship that allows him to trust you enough to share his
concerns.
concerns.
The hormone changes of puberty may be playing a role, but remember, not all teens act this way in puberty. The hormone changes can trigger depression, which can lead to all these changes as can teen drug use which is widespread now even in this age group. Discuss these changes with your son's pediatrician or schedule a mental health evaluation. It is better to
intervene early with these symptoms.
intervene early with these symptoms.
What I usually tell my patients is that yes teenagers can be moody, but was there is a decline in functioning, that is is worth taking your son or daughter to get assessed. Depression is not uncommon in teenagers so this should be an immediate concern. Depressed teenagers tend to isolate, grades may fall, might be more irritable. It is worth taken your son to a mental health professional to get him assessed for a major depressive episode or other mood disorders - which if diagnosed should then be treated and not simply discarded as one just being a teenager.
I hope this helps.
Ifeoma Arene, M.D.
I hope this helps.
Ifeoma Arene, M.D.
