Mind the gap – Forderungen für eine verbesserte transitionspsychiatrische Versorgung aus Expert:innenperspektive

The transition from child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) to adult psychiatry (AP) is associated with a number of challenges and, in many cases, treatment interruptions. Transitional psychiatry is understood as an interface that aims to provide adequate support to adolescents in this critical phase to successfully master the respective developmental tasks. To determine the wishes and requirements for optimizing the transitional psychiatric care concept, interviews were conducted with 35 experts who work with the target group in both clinical and nonclinical contexts. Furthermore, two focus groups were held with additional professionals. The results indicate needs in both clinical and nonclinical areas, in the collaboration between CAP and AP as well as in the areas of education, training, advanced training and research. More specifically, in addition to developing a common understanding of the transition age between CAP and AP, the development of standardized treatment guidelines, the expansion of low-threshold treatment options integrated into the existing treatment chain and stronger networking with nonclinical institutions, such as social work and educational psychology are advocated. A flexible care concept oriented towards actual developmental stages rather than rigid age boundaries is required, as this would enable long-term relational structures.