[Risk-taking in adolescence. Screening and counseling strategies for primary care professionals]

Meeting adolescents' health needs in primary care implies knowledge of developmental, psycho-social and physical specificities of this age group. Primary care physicians need appropriate communication skills and knowledge of specific adolescent health issues such as the role of families, the need for confidential services and networking with schools, social services and other key individuals in young people's lives. Primary care physicians rarely receive training in adolescent health and are usually interested in practical screening or counselling strategies. HEADSSS is a useful mnemonic to guide the psychosocial interview of an adolescent. It can be used in daily practice to help the physician to focus not only on "risk taking", but also on the personal strengths and protective factors that allow young people to develop harmoniously.