Adolescence is the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood that occurs between ages 13 and 19. The physical and psychological changes that take place in adolescence often start earlier, during the preteen or "tween" years: between ages 9 and 12.
What Is Adolescence? (Plain Language Explanation)
Adolescence refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Adolescence
- Symptoms: The specific ways adolescence shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen adolescence
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When adolescence occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Adolescence
- Adolescence is far more common than most people realize
- Adolescence is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with adolescence see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about adolescence is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing adolescence, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.