What are the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents?

• A. Diabetes and obesity
• B. Depression and anxiety
• C. Cardiovascular diseases
• D. Infectious diseases

Answer: (B)

The leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents often include mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This is due to a variety of factors that uniquely affect adolescents, such as hormonal changes, social pressures, academic stress, and the challenges of navigating relationships. Mental health issues can significantly impair daily functioning, affect academic performance, and lead to more serious long-term consequences if left unaddressed. They represent a substantial burden on both the individual and society, which is why they are recognized as leading causes of illness and disability in this age group.

While other conditions like diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases certainly impact health, they do not have the same prevalence or severity in terms of leading to disability among adolescents in comparison to mental health conditions.