Managing Ulcerative Colitis in the Adolescent: Highlighting the Developmental and Self-management Needs.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease that peaks in diagnosis between the ages of 15 to 25 years, making UC a significant chronic disease among adolescents that could affect the adolescents throughout their life. This article provides an overview of the role of nurse practitioners as health care providers in managing adolescent patients with UC with a holistic approach that encompasses the physical aspects of the disease, as well as developmental and psychosocial needs. By describing the influence that developmental stage and psychological stress have on patients with UC, the nurse practitioners can facilitate evidence-based and holistic care for adolescents and promote self-management.