ADHD and transitions to adult mental health services
Despite the recognition of ADHD as a lifespan neurodevelopmental disorder, the majority of young people with ADHD fail to transition successfully to adult services. Health service transition marks a particularly vulnerable time for young people with ADHD, as disengagement from services and untreated ADHD lead to serious adverse psychiatric and social outcomes. Barriers to successful transition include the lack of adult ADHD services, differences in acceptance thresholds, lack of knowledge and training among practitioners in adult services, and a less family-orientated culture in adult services that may exclude parents. Young people and parents should routinely be involved in the design and evaluation of services related to transition. The role of an ADHD transition worker and increased involvement of primary care in the management of ADHD is recommended to provide greater continuity and support before and after the transfer of care from child and adolescent to adult mental health services.