Treating young people with eating disorders: transition from child mental health to specialist adult eating disorder services

Abstract

This study discusses the implication of these results in transitional arrangements between CAMHS and Adult services. It also highlights the need for heightened awareness of particular issues of self-esteem and maturation in these patients moving between services.

Challenges in Making the Transition Between Pediatric and Adult Eating Disorder Programs: A Qualitative Study From the Perspective of Service Providers

“…Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental illness that results in significant medical and psychosocial consequences (Arcelus, Bouman, & Morgan, 2008). A subgroup of adolescents will continue to have AN into adulthood requiring them to make the transition either to an adult eating disorder program (AEDP) or a general mental health program (GMHP; Arcelus et al, 2008;Treasure, Schmidt, & Hugo, 2005).…”

“…A subgroup of adolescents will continue to have AN into adulthood requiring them to make the transition either to an adult eating disorder program (AEDP) or a general mental health program (GMHP; Arcelus et al, 2008;Treasure, Schmidt, & Hugo, 2005). Problems with service transitions (ST) for young people with chronic physical ailments and mental illnesses such as AN occur as a result of numerous organizational and policy-related barriers (Kaufman & Pinzon, 2007;Singh, 2009;Winston, Paul, & Juanola-Borrat, 2012).…”

The Same but Different? Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents and Adults

“…As a first step, research is needed to discover more about discontinuities between services for adolescents and adults and differences in therapeutic models. In general terms, a purposeful and planned transition requires a number of key elements to be effective (Arcelus et al, ; McDonagh & Viner, ; Royal College of Psychiatrists, ): Early identification of those who will need transitional care and careful planning of the transition Preparation of young people and their families for the move and attention to their views A gradual transition between models of care, particularly in relation to the issue of personal responsibility Close collaboration between CAMHS and adult services Transition protocols which are led by the needs of the patient rather than rigid organisational boundaries Avoidance of transitions during periods of crisis or instability…”

“…As a first step, research is needed to discover more about discontinuities between services for adolescents and adults and differences in therapeutic models. In general terms, a purposeful and planned transition requires a number of key elements to be effective (Arcelus et al, 2008;McDonagh & Viner, 2006;Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2000):…”

“…Although it is recognized that gaps between CAMHS and adult services often lead to poor experiences of care for users of mental health services in general (Department of Health, 2008;Lamb, Hall, Kelvin, Van Beinum, 2008;Singh, 2009;Singh et al, 2010), there has been very little research into transitions for those with anorexia nervosa. A comprehensive search of the literature identified only two papers, both from the UK, which specifically address the issue (Arcelus et al, 2008;Treasure, Schmidt, & Hugo, 2005). 1 This paper highlights some of the principal differences between CAMHS and adult services treating anorexia nervosa and the impact they may have on patients.…”