10.1: Introduction
Although many of the major health issues that affect children also affect adolescents and adults, there are several different challenges that populations face as they progress from the teen years and into adulthood. As we have covered infectious and chronic diseases in other chapters, here we will focus on psychological and behavioral factors that impact health. Mental health (a term often used interchangeably with psychological or emotional health) is increasingly being recognized as a significant factor in overall health and well-being. As children become more independent from their caregivers, the use and abuse of substances and other health-risk behaviors become more pertinent. American young adults suffer from mental health and substance use issues, as well as violence and unintended injuries, both of which are a significant source of morbidity and mortality. On the flipside, health-promoting behaviors such as healthy nutrition and physical activity play an important role in well-being and longevity. And although the consequences of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle may begin to harm health in childhood and adolescence, the risks and impact associated with obesity and poor fitness tend to increase as we age. So while the term “behavioral health” typically refers to mental health services in medical practice, we will examine all of these topics as related to health-behaviors, and the impact that they have on adolescent and adult populations.