Introduction to Common Symptoms and Help-Seeking

In this session we will consider the types of symptoms that young people experience, and the choices that they make about where to go for help. Other sessions in the module consider some of the symptoms and conditions in more detail.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• List common physical symptoms that young people experience and the frequency with which these occur　
• Identify common sources of help to which young people go　
• Describe some of the factors that influence symptom perception and presentation　
• Recognise that psychological and social factors may be more important than physical illness in the development of physical symptoms in young people

Although teenagers have traditionally been considered to be a healthy population with few health concerns, when asked they actually report a wide range of symptoms and anxieties about their health. Some of these are presented as problems to health professionals whilst others are not.