Common Illness with an Uncommon Course- In Adolescents use HEADSS

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of emotional instability, during which high risk behavior including experimentation with drugs is common. Clinical manifestations of substance abuse and its withdrawal may mimic common illnesses. We report an adolescent who presented with acute dysentery with unusual course. HEADSS screening revealed psychosocial stressors leading to cannabis addiction. The child was diagnosed to have cannabis withdrawal. He was referred to the de-addiction clinic. HEADSS is a useful tool to identify risk factors and protective factors in adolescents. HEADSS screening during each interaction and early intervention when needed must be an essential component of adolescent health care.