[ADHS in transition: how can continuity in treatment succeed?]

The transition from child and adolescent to adult psychiatric care constitutes a high-risk period for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Differences in healthcare service structures, therapeutic concepts and responsibility allocation frequently result in discontinuity and termination of treatment.

To summarize key challenges of ADHD transition and derive practice-oriented recommendations to improve continuity of care.

Narrative review of current guidelines (AWMF, NICE), relevant empirical literature and qualitative studies addressing patient, family and clinician perspectives.

Major barriers include limited patient knowledge of ADHD, marked organizational difficulties, insufficient intersectoral coordination, lack of awareness of adult services and regional shortages of specialized ADHD care. Divergent treatment cultures and the abrupt reduction of parental involvement further complicate the process.

The ADHD is a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder requiring age-spanning, continuous care. Effective transition depends on structured procedures, reliable communication between services, developmentally adjusted family involvement and specialized treatment options. Future models should integrate developmental and autonomy-focused approaches from pediatric, juvenile and adult psychiatry.