What mental health condition is often triggered by hormonal changes during adolescence?

Eating disorders are frequently exacerbated or triggered by the hormonal changes that occur during adolescence. This developmental stage is characterized by significant biological, psychological, and social changes, which can contribute to a focus on body image and weight, leading to unhealthy eating behaviors. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and testosterone, can affect mood and emotional regulation, increasing vulnerability to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Adolescence is also a critical period for the development of self-identity, and factors like peer pressure and media portrayals of the ideal body can intensify disordered eating behaviors. The link between hormonal changes and the onset of eating disorders highlights the importance of recognizing these developmental influences in mental health.

In contrast, conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder are influenced by a range of factors, including genetics and trauma, but they do not have the same direct correlation with hormonal changes during adolescence as eating disorders do.