[Transition to adulthood with an eating disorder-Current state of research and recommendations for successful...

The transition to adulthood poses particular challenges for healthcare systems. Eating disorders frequently occur during this developmental period and require continuity of care in order to achieve remission and to reduce the risk of relapses as well as long-term psychosocial and physical consequences.

Presentation of the specific challenges of transition in cases of eating disorders and derivation of recommendations for improving transition management.

Narrative review of the current state of research and a description of selected models of transitional care. Based on this, practical recommendations for transition management and areas requiring further research are presented.

Existing concepts emphasize the importance of structured transition management, including early planning, assessment of transition readiness, active involvement of patients and caregivers, close collaboration between child/adolescent and adult healthcare services, standardized handover procedures and continuity of specialized eating disorder-specific treatment. In addition, psychotherapeutic interventions should address development-related tasks of the transition, such as autonomy, self-management, identity development, and educational, vocational and socio-legal issues. Empirical evidence for the effectiveness of specific transition models remains limited.

Structured transition management with clearly defined responsibilities appears essential to reduce treatment discontinuity, relapses, chronicity and the elevated risk of suicidality in this age group. There is a substantial need for further research on the effectiveness of transition concepts, including specialized transition programs or dedicated transition units.