David Gourion is a psychiatrist. For many years he worked at Hôpital Sainte-Anne, in Paris, in the department headed by Professor Henri Lôo, with whom he wrote Les Nuits de l’âme, a major reference work on depression, and Le Meilleur de soi — Empathie — attachement et personnalité, both published by Editions Odile Jacob.

One young adult out of four suffers from psychic malaise. However, prevention is possible

Eighty per cent of psychic disorders begin between the ages of 12 and 25. How can we explain the vulnerability of youth to psychic disorders? Above all, what can be done to prevent the onset of psychic disorders, and to stop them from worsening?
Based on detailed knowledge of the difficulties encountered by young people, as well as of the latest research in the neurosciences, David Gourion offers a new understanding of the disorders experienced by the 12–25 age group, and explains why it is so important to take action as early as possible.
Anxiety, stress, insomnia, exhaustion, loss of motivation: it is often difficult to separate temporary difficulties from real symptoms. Yet the early identification of signs of vulnerability is crucial. Chaotic sleep patterns, unhealthy lifestyles, excessive academic or professional pressures, cyber addiction, alcohol and drug abuse, dangerous behaviour patterns: all these factors can increase young people’s vulnerability. But new, protective factors have also been discovered, and we now have the tools to help us understand the problems, assess them and provide assistance.
That is what the author explains here, motivated by a profound wish to help young people lead fulfilling lives.

• 12–25 years: a crucial period in a person’s development.
• Suicide is a major cause of death between the ages of 15 and 30.
• This is a major work on the psychology of young adults.
• Essential information for a better understanding of dangers to watch out for and of how to set up effective preventive measures.
• An approach to teenagers’ and young adults’ psychic disorders, grounded in the neurosciences.
• For parents: guidance and explanations. For young adults: practical information, tests and advice.