The Committee onward Adolescence o...

The Committee onward Adolescence of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a of recent origin clinical report on adolescent sexual orientation advising physicians to be attentive to the emergencys of patients who may be confused through the whole extent of their sexual orientation or believe they are homosexual or bisexual. "Sexual Orientation and Adolescents" appears in the June 2004 issue of Pediatrics and is available online at http://pediatrics. aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/113/6/1827.

According to the report, adolescents many times are asking physicians about sexual behavior and orientation. While physicians are not responsible for identifying homosexual or bisexual youth, physicians should create a clinical environment where adolescents be stirred safe to discuss sensitive personal issues, including sexuality and orientation.

The overall goal in caring for all youth is to advance normal adolescent development, social and emotional well-being, and physical health. united stark difference between homosexual and heterosexual youth is the suicide rate. According to the report, studies rest homosexual youth were two to seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual equals They also are two to four times more likely to be threatened with a weapon at gymnasium and are more likely to engage in the use of mix with drugss and alcohol.

The report push ons physicians to offer a safe and supportive environment to all youth. Among the recommendations are the following:

* Assure patients that their confidentiality is protected

* Be aware of the special issues surrounding the progressive growth of sexual orientation.

* Use gender-neutral language in discussing sexuality (i.e., use of the word "partner" rather than "boyfriend" or "girlfriend," talk about "protection" rather than just "birth control")

* Encourage abstinence, discourage multiple partners, and discuss "safer sex" guidelines with all adolescents.

* Provide relevant information and resources about homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual issues to patients who are relate toed about these issues.

The authors of the report acknowledge that not all physicians may be warmed able to provide the exemplar of care described in the report. Any physician who is unable to care for and instruction homosexual and bisexual youth should have reference the patient to an appropriate colleague.

COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group