Summary

The immense changes that are occurring intellectually in the adolescent are often seen by society as resulting in teenagers who are moody, self-absorbed, reckless and defiant. Yet the changes in the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system are driving the capability of the adolescent to rationalise and analyse information.

These changes are seen in the ability of the young person to interact with others socially and emotionally. More so than in the young child, the adolescent is dependent on their intellectual development to further their emotional and social abilities.