P0135 - Clinical pathways from childhood to adulthood: Current state of regional services and future direction

Abstract

Background and Aims:

A long tradition of research has highlighted the continuity of mental health disorders between childhood and adulthood. Nevertheless, diagnostic systems have not kept pace with the lifespan concepts that underpin developmental psychopathology. While several important adult diagnoses have been identified in children (Anxiety, Depression) using Research Diagnostic Criteria, few disorders specific to childhood (e.g., ADHD) have equivalents in the adult diagnostic systems (e.g., DSM-IV-TR)

In this paper I describe the continuities and discontinuities of the DSM in terms of childhood disorders with and without adult equivalents. I also describe the current state of program development in our health region and the future steps in that reflect the translation into clinic practice of the body of knowledge related to developmental psychopathology.

Methods:

A review of the DSM-IV-TR was completed

The demographic and clinical characteristics of the identified population (transitional youth aged 16 to 24) was explored by doing a cross reference of both the RAIS and MHIOS data bases.

Results:

There are DSM-IV-TR differences between child and adult diagnoses: these differences give rise to clear implications for treatment path.

Conclusions:

Much work needs to be accomplished to ensure that children have appropriate treatment across the transition to adulthood. The follow areas are recommended for development: Develop curricula for the residency training program and for existing professionals. Develop practice guidelines a mechanism for continuous social marketing within the health care community.