Narrative Review on Psychosocial Challenges and Identity Issues Associated with Severe Mental Illness in Adolescents

Abstract

The onset of severe mental illness (SMI) typically manifests during adolescence. Given that it is a particularly sensitive stage for adolescents from an identity development perspective, receiving a SMI diagnosis at this time may have long-term impacts on their identity, as well as presenting a number of psychosocial challenges. Most importantly, it is at this stage in life that adolescents are at a critical juncture in terms of making future plan and career paths, increasing social interaction, completing higher school education. This review will argue that, since SMI is more likely to occur during adolescence and this can have additional psychosocial challenges which may cause several issues on one’s identity, and this effect may be carried forward across lifespan. It seeks to establish the positive and negative impacts of severe mental illness on adolescents’ psychosocial development. It is essential to comprehensively understand this impact as this has implication for recovery and for health professionals selecting suitable treatment interventions.