[Psychiatric therapy for adolescent patients]

Most children who go through adolescence manage to overcome the "storm of adolescence," but some children are not so fortunate and have difficulty in coping. They may feel that their inability to cope is unique or that they will forever be handicapped or diseased as a result. In reality, the trials of adolescence, combined with a sub optimal personal life often result in setbacks. Adolescence, by definition is a time of development. And this development is extensive; physical, mental, sexual and self-awareness. Personality change is inevitable. Over a relatively short period, young children evolve into adults. Every one experiences these drastic changes, but to each child, it seems that he/she is going through the experience alone, for the first time. We must convey to these children that this situation is normal, and is inevitably stressful. If we can succeed in even a small way to do this, I believe we can find a way to help adolescent children.