Psychiatry of Transition in a World in Transition

This clinical study evaluates risk and protective factor to develop psychopathology in transitional age youth. 300 patients will be recruited at the age of 17 years old and assessed at baseline and 2 years later.

Emerging adults are a particularly at-risk population in mental health. Transitional age youth have specific needs, not currently covered between child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services (AMHS), mainly because of existing barriers. Movements from one to the other must be planned to achieve optimal patient care. Our project aims to identify clinical dimensional characteristics contributing to the development of psychopathology during the transition period. Continuities, discontinuities and resilience factors will be explored. The final purpose is to develop a non-stigmatizing approach to reduce rejection from youths in psychopathological suffering and increase social inclusion. The transversal and trans-diagnostic approach consists of a dimensional evaluation: 300 youth at the age of 17 will be included in a cohort of in-patients, out-patients and control group. Participants will be assessed at baseline and 2 years later. The primary outcome is based on Health of the Nation Outcome Scale for Children and Adolescents, measuring mental health care need, and WHO Quality of Life assessment. The secondary outcomes include the assessment of dimensions representing risk or protective factors to develop psychopathology and evolution of mental health status during transition age. Baseline evaluation consists in internalizing/externalizing symptoms, impulsivity/compulsivity, emotion regulation, cognitive functioning, social and family functioning, developmental, medical and trauma history. At follow-up, mental health pathways and transition results will be described.