Research by GPs in Ballymun provides an informative snapshot of the health needs of teenage patients and some important pointers from dealing with this often vulnerable group.

Substance misuse and recording of this issue was reviewed. In general, it was noted that whether or not the person attending used alcohol, smoked cigarettes or used other substances was not recorded. No reference was made to alcohol in any of the 380 teenagers' records, but that this was not recorded does not in our view indicate that none of these 380 teenagers drinks alcohol. Seven teenagers were noted to be smokers of cigarettes, seven were noted to be smokers of hash, and there was not mention in the clinical records of other drugs being used.....