EMOTIONAL ANAESTHESIA IN TEENAGERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Author Name: Sahil Srivastava, Dr. Vijayalakshmi

Volume: 03/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/10.2025-88781139/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Assistant Professor, Kailash Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh official
2. Assistant professor, College of Health Sciences, university of Buraimi

ABSTRACT

Teenagers across the world are exposed to high levels of stress due to academics, family, peers, and social media¹. Many of them describe themselves as “blank” or “numb,” which is known as emotional anaesthesia². This condition overlaps with trauma-related numbing, anhedonia, alexithymia, and dissociation³. Although it may reduce stress temporarily, long-term effects include poor mental health, reduced motivation, and weaker relationships⁴. This narrative review explains emotional anaesthesia in teenagers in a simple but academically structured way. It brings together theories of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Maslow, Bandura, and Bronfenbrenner⁵. It reviews common causes such as academic stress, social media, peer influence, family expectations, and trauma⁶. It describes clinical signs and diagnostic tools, consequences for health and education, and evidence-based interventions⁷. Finally, it highlights the long-term impact on nations and the world and points out gaps in research⁸.

Key words: Teenagers, Anaesthesia