Present day adolescents: why they are, the way they are

Adolescence, a period that begins with the onset of puberty and ends with successful independence from the parent, is best described as a period full of stress and strife. Apart from the strain placed by the society, it is a biological developmental phase characterised by rapid physical growth, sexual maturation, secondary sexual characteristics, emotional changes, cognitive development, maturation of judgement, and self-regulation skills. Empiric evidence proves that there are greater risks of mood volatility, increased conflicts with parents, increased risk taking behaviour, recklessness, and sensation seeking in adolescence. This article reviews the neurobiological basis of such behaviour in the context of modern society.