Internal medicine covers the field of adolescent medical care. In many cases, teenagers may receive more efficient care from an internist than a pediatrician upon reaching puberty. In some cases, a specialist in another field is more helpful. If your teenager is experiencing problems in any of these areas, internal medical specialists may be the right choice.

1. Reproductive Issues

Doctors may be able to assist teenagers with anything from abnormal menstrual cycles to sexually transmitted infection treatment. They can also work with teenagers who are pregnant, often working alongside specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, and they can also prescribe medications and contraception.

2. Substance Addiction

One of the most common issues that teenagers hide away is substance abuse, whether it be drugs or alcohol. Teenagers struggling with addiction may require medical assistance in recovering from addiction or during the detoxification process. There are also many physical and emotional side effects associated with drug and alcohol abuse that a doctor will address.

3. Skin Conditions

Acne is a common concern among teenagers, but sometimes it may appear to get out of control. Acne can even become a painful condition. If this is the case for your child, an internal medicine doctor who works in dermatology or alongside dermatologists may be helpful.

4. Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are both common in teenage girls and boys. In addition to working with a doctor, teens may also be referred to nutritionists and psychologists. It can be dangerous to attempt to treat an eating disorder without a doctor monitoring progress and ensuring that there are no side effects or damage caused by the condition.

5. Mental Illness

Mental illnesses may require internal medical doctors to work in conjunction with therapists or psychiatrists. Conditions for which you may consider bring your teen to a doctor include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatrists work with other medical doctors to ensure that any prescribed medications are working as intended without causing unwanted side effects.

If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your teenager, it is always a safe bet to bring them to a medical professional. Internal medicine is a broad field, so finding a doctor who works with teenagers and is sympathetic to their issues is essential for finding the right connection. There is much more to choosing a doctor than simply calling the first name in the phone book. To learn more, contact a medical clinic like Broadway Medical Clinic, LLP.