Patients have different needs at different life stages. They have varying medical issues, treatments, and developmental milestones requiring comprehensive approaches by their healthcare providers. For young patients, pediatric and adolescent medicine provides two distinct care techniques to meet their individual needs. However, the two focuses are different, even though they both cater to patients who are not adults yet.
Let’s talk about the differences between pediatric and adolescent medicine and where you can find the best adolescent medicine doctor in Purchase, NY.
1) Age
Pediatric medicine is for children under 18, whereas adolescent medicine cares for those between 12-21 years of age.
They overlap, but adolescent medicine caters to a higher range.
2) Treatment Approach
Pediatrics focuses on preventative care, emphasizing the need for routine checkups, immunizations, and other tests. They help identify potential issues early so treatments can begin quickly before the condition worsens.
Adolescent medicine emphasizes comprehensive care tailored to their developmental needs. That may include addressing mental and physical health issues, lifestyle changes, or guiding life decisions.
3) Specialization
Pediatricians focus on diagnosing and treating illnesses in children.
On the other hand, adolescent medicine providers aim to understand the specific needs of teenagers and young adults. That includes tackling topics like the following:
- Peer pressure
- Nutrition
- Drug or alcohol use
- Social media
- Sexuality
4) Patient Interactions
Pediatrics involves parents in the conversation and decision-making, whereas adolescent medicine emphasizes an independent approach.
Adolescent providers often talk directly to the patient instead of their parent or guardian. This approach allows teenagers to express their feelings and ask questions freely and openly.
5) Follow-up Care
Pediatricians will usually continue to see the patient until they reach adulthood. Afterward, they transition into seeing an adult primary care provider.
On the other hand, adolescent specialists typically provide healthcare until the young adult reaches 21 years old.
6) Disease Management
Pediatrics focuses on preventative care and treatment for minor and chronic illnesses. Adolescent medicine may involve more medical issues, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic diseases that require frequent follow-up visits.
Common examples of pediatric conditions include the following:
Allergies
Pediatricians will work to identify common allergens and help manage treatments.
Asthma
Pediatricians can provide tailored care plans with medications and lifestyle changes to control symptoms.
Infectious Diseases
Pediatricians can diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses caused by bacterial or viral infections.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Pediatricians will work to determine the best course of treatment, whether medication or counseling.
Flu
Pediatricians will help determine the best course to manage symptoms such as fever and dehydration.
On the other hand, examples of adolescent conditions include the following:
Mental Health Issues
Adolescent providers will provide counseling and medication management for depression, anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues.
Gynecology
Adolescent patients will receive guidance on menstrual cycles, contraception, or sexually transmitted infections.
Substance Abuse
Adolescent specialists can provide counseling and treatment plans to help young adults manage addiction and substance abuse issues.
Eating Disorders
Adolescent providers will take a comprehensive approach to tackle eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.
Chronic Diseases
These providers will provide guidance and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or allergies.
Your doctor of choice can help you make the best decision for your family’s medical care needs.
That will ensure your children get the proper care and attention they need to thrive in their childhood or adolescence. Contact them today to set up an appointment.
Top Adolescent Doctors Near You in Purchase, NY
Are you looking for the top adolescent doctors near you in Purchase? You can rely on the team of experienced and trained providers at BridgeSpan Medicine. We aim to give only the best comprehensive care for patients ages 15-21. We also emphasize preventive care through routine check-ups, immunizations, on-site lab tests, and more.
To learn how we can help with our services, call our friendly staff today at (914) 698-5544. You can also use our convenient and secure online request form to book a consultation.
We look forward to providing you with the best care you deserve.
