The authors discuss the subject of injuries during adolescence and their sequelae. Their attention is focused on a special type of injury, i.e. a sudden and life threatening injury. The reaction to injury during adolescence depends on several factors, the previous development of personality and its sensitivity as well as on the reaction of the environment and people important for the adolescent (family, peers). The interpretation of the traumatic situation and its consequences is very important. Injury during adolescence is a trauma also because it involves ideas on the subject’s own body, and any potential deficiency in this sphere implies a threat to self-evaluation and self-esteem. From the psychopathological aspect one of the possible reactions to severe stress is impaired adaptation.

        Key words: adolescence, reaction to serious injury, impaired adaptation, psychotherapy