Clinical Considerations for Emerging Adults with Eating Disorders and Transition to Adult-Based Care

ABSTRACT

Eating disorders most commonly emerge during middle to late adolescence and can endure over the course of young adulthood. The length and involvement of empirically supported treatments and the use of an interprofessional care team often necessitate strategic and individualized transition planning as a process prior to the transfer of care to an adult-based system/provider. This article describes clinical models and processes for transition to adult-based mental health care and reviews current research on transition in eating disorders. Clinical considerations during transition to adulthood are presented with an emphasis on developing autonomy and caregiver support, resilience and motivation, and managing longitudinal barriers. Case examples of navigating the transition process with young adults who have eating disorders are included.

Notes

¹ Names and identifying information have been changed.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health (TAS-010).