Illness and hospitalization undoubtedly have much psychological impact on adolescents, although studies to date have primarily focused on younger children. The development of separate wards for adolescents has facilitated investigations of this age group.

On the Adolescent Unit of the Yale-New Haven Hospital various approaches have been adopted, which serve several purposes, including that of increasing our understanding of patients. One project is the publishing of a ward newspaper, whose writings over a 4-year period well reveal many of these adolescents' frequently expressed feelings and concerns. We have here attempted to outline and highlight them via the following themes: Contradictory Attitudes, Food, Bowel Function, Sexual Differences and Concerns, Anger and Criticism, Basic Danger Situations, Staff, and Going Home.