Transition from Child and Adolescent to Adult Psychiatry in a German Metropolitan Region: An Explorative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

In psychiatry, the transition phase presents a particular challenge. The study aims to investigate gaps in care during the transition to adult psychiatry. After a qualitative preliminary study, 100 patients with previous child and adolescent psychiatric treatment were interviewed in a standardised way about the utilisation behaviour, the need for help and the experience during, before and after the transition phase. The data were analysed descriptively and using interval estimation (probability of coverage). A treatment gap of more than 3 months was documented in 75% of the patients*. The study showed that treatment interruption was experienced as a risk for further crises and that there was often a lack of information on further treatment options. The transition from child and adolescent to adult psychiatric treatment is not seamless and requires professional support.