Adolescence, though a challenging period, is critically important for the formation of the individual in their wholeness and completeness. Beyond the many crisis situations in the relationship between the young person and their parents, a crisis also arises in the construction of overall identity and individuality. Adolescence is the time of searching for and finding oneself.

Internal Conflicts

According to Freud, adolescence is a period of intense internal conflicts arising from the interplay between the Id, the Ego, and the Superego.

• The Id represents instinctual and unconscious impulses — sexual and aggressive desires that seek immediate gratification.
• The Ego functions as a mediator between the impulses of the Id and reality.
• The Superego is the internal moral control — internalized rules, values, and ideals.

The adolescent must learn how to integrate these impulses into forms acceptable to society. The inability to manage internal conflicts can lead to anxiety, guilt, shame, or confusion, manifesting as rebellion, social withdrawal, or impulsive behavior.

The Identity Crisis

During this period, identification processes are of great importance. The adolescent passes through the "separation-individuation conflict." Erikson's identity crisis manifests here:

• The successful integration of social, emotional, and sexual impulses leads to maturity, the capacity for intimacy, a stable sense of self.
• Unsuccessful navigation leaves feelings of vacillation, insecurity, rebellion, negativism, or excessive dependence on friends.

Development of Autonomy, Ambitions, Responsibility

The adolescent wants to take their life into their own hands, yet simultaneously fears making mistakes. The drive both to stand apart from the majority and to belong to a particular group is part of building one's own identity.

Even when autonomous, adolescents need support to believe in themselves and answer the key questions of their age:

• "Who am I?"
• "Am I changing?"
• "Who do I want to become?"
• "Will I become who I want to be?"

The Key Role of Parents

Parents and significant adults must be tolerant of the changes and eccentricities of adolescents, while also being sensitive to early signs of psychological distress. Effective support includes:

• Providing space for experimentation and autonomous decisions, within a safe and structured environment.
• Active listening, validating experiences, and encouraging personal aspirations.
• Recognising signs of anxiety, depression, or impulsive behaviour as potential signals for support.

Adolescence and Mental Health

Adolescence is a time of heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. Certain mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and the first signs of schizophrenia begin precisely during adolescence.

• Panic disorder typically first appears between the ages of 13 and 14.
• Hebephrenic schizophrenia manifests between the ages of 15 and 25.

Early Signs of Psychological Distress

• Social withdrawal — the adolescent avoids friends, school activities, or clubs.
• Sudden mood changes — frequent outbursts of anger, apathy, or crying.
• Sleep and eating problems — disturbances that worsen over time.
• Risk-taking tendencies — use of psychoactive substances, participation in dangerous activities.

References

1. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: W. W. Norton.
2. Freud, S. (1905). Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality. Leipzig: Franz Deuticke.
3. Blos, P. (1962). On Adolescence. New York: Free Press.
4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). DSM-5. Washington.