When to Seek Care from an Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Specialist
Adolescent medicine specialists are trained to work with young people who are neither large children nor small adults. Our specialists address health problems that arise during this time of life and provide comprehensive whole-person care for young people with complex health needs. Whether addressing a specific problem or providing comprehensive care, our adolescent medicine specialists incorporate a broad view of your young person to ensure that all their needs are considered when we craft a treatment plan.
Are You Concerned About Your Teen or Young Adult?
If you are concerned that your teen or young adult is struggling with a physical or mental health problem, an adolescent medicine specialist can explore and address the oftentimes complex and sensitive issues that arise during this time of life. We are equipped to handle these issues and more:
- Sexual and reproductive health issues
- Behavioral health concerns
- Body image, weight, and eating problems
- Developmental difficulties
- Transition to adulthood with chronic illness
Our personalized approach prioritizes your young person's comfort while actively partnering with you and other caring adults to ensure your teen or young adult achieves positive outcomes.
Adolescent and Young Adult Primary Care and Specialty Care
Adolescent medicine is a specialized form of primary care designed for young people with complex needs, such as chronic illnesses or other complicated health problems. It is also a type of specialty care designed to address specific health issues, such as:
- Menstrual disorders including abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, PCOS, dysmenorrhea, and menstrual suppression in IDD
- Contraceptive services including Nexplanon insertion and removal
- Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV PreP
What to Expect at a Visit with an Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Specialist
If a patient has challenges that need dedicated time and effort to treat, whether that’s disordered eating or mood swings associated with menstrual cycles, our team can dive deep into this health issue and follow up more frequently. We are not taking over primary care for any of our patients; we are only doing consultative care. Our program bridges the gap between specialties, providing care focused on the developmental and contextual factors unique to adolescence and young adulthood, while leveraging Duke’s vast network for referrals to gynecology, psychiatry, or other specialists when needed.
