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Adolescent Health Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

ADHD ADHD

Intermediate Technical IVT

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition commonly diagnosed during adolescence affecting attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control.

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PRIME-MD PHQ-2

Intermediate Technical IVT

A two-question depression screening tool used as an initial assessment for mood disorders in adolescent patients.

Technical Term Full entry →

psychosocial moratorium

Advanced Technical IVT

Developmental period allowing adolescents to explore identity without full adult commitments.

Technical Term Full entry →

puberphonia

Advanced Technical IVT

Functional voice disorder where an adolescent male continues using a high-pitched voice despite completed vocal cord dev...

Technical Term Full entry →

pubertal assessment

Intermediate Technical IVT

Systematic clinical evaluation of physical and sexual maturation changes during adolescent development.

Technical Term Full entry →

pubertal asynchrony

Professional Technical IVT

A condition where physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development during puberty progress at mismatched rates, creatin...

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pubertal blockers

Advanced Technical IVT

Medications that temporarily suppress puberty, primarily used for transgender youth and in cases of precocious puberty.

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pubertal delay

Intermediate Technical IVT

Absence of secondary sexual characteristics by age 13 in girls or 14 in boys.

Technical Term Full entry →

pubertal growth spurt

Intermediate Technical IVT

Rapid acceleration in linear growth velocity that occurs during adolescence, typically lasting 2-3 years.

Technical Term Full entry →

pubertal gynecomastia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Temporary breast tissue enlargement in adolescent males during normal puberty, typically self-resolving within two years...

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pubertal variant

Intermediate Technical IVT

A normal variation in pubertal development that falls outside typical timing but does not indicate underlying pathology.

Technical Term Full entry →

resilience factors

Intermediate Technical IVT

Protective characteristics that help adolescents adapt positively to stress and adversity.

Technical Term Full entry →

SAMHSA

Professional Technical IVT

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the federal agency leading public health efforts to reduce su...

Abbreviation Full entry →

SBHC

Professional Technical IVT

School-Based Health Center, healthcare facilities located on school campuses providing comprehensive health services to...

Abbreviation Full entry →

SBIRT

Professional Technical IVT

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment framework for addressing substance use in adolescent healthcare...

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SCARED

Intermediate Technical IVT

Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders questionnaire for adolescent anxiety assessment.

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self-harm behaviors

Advanced Technical IVT

Deliberate self-inflicted injury or harm without suicidal intent, commonly occurring in adolescents as a coping mechanis...

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sexual maturity rating

Professional Technical IVT

Clinical assessment scale used to document pubertal development stages, also known as Tanner staging.

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SHCN

Professional Technical IVT

Special Health Care Needs requiring ongoing medical care beyond typical adolescent services.

Abbreviation Full entry →

SIPS

Professional Technical IVT

Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes used to identify early psychotic symptoms in adolescents.

Technical Term Full entry →

SMR

Professional Technical IVT

Sexual Maturity Rating scale used to assess pubertal development stages.

Abbreviation Full entry →

STI screening

Intermediate Technical IVT

Systematic testing for sexually transmitted infections in sexually active adolescents, following age-specific protocols...

Technical Term Full entry →

substance use disorder

Advanced Technical IVT

A pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, requiring specialized assessment an...

SUD
Technical Term Full entry →

Tanner staging

Professional Technical IVT

A standardized assessment system used to evaluate the progression of physical development during puberty.

Technical Term Full entry →

thelarche

Advanced Technical IVT

The onset of breast development, typically the first sign of puberty in girls.

Technical Term Full entry →
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