New Article Feature: Transitions for Youth and Young Adults with Eating Disorders and/or Other Mental Health Conditions
A new publication led by Dr. Jennifer Couturier, Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos, and Maria Nicula and co-authored by AYM doctoral trainee Andrea Krishnapillai presents evidence-based Canadian guidelines for eating disorder (EDs) and other mental health care transitions from pediatric to adult settings.
Using a modified Delphi method, a guideline development panel—consisting of youth and young adults (YYAs) with lived experience, caregivers, and clinicians—reviewed evidence identified in a comprehensive scoping review guided by the question “What is the extent, range, and nature of the literature on the transition from pediatric to adult care among YYAs (aged 16–25) with EDs and/or other mental health conditions?”
Based on the results, the panel made the following strong recommendations:
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Promoting transition models that use an integrated and collaborative care approach
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Using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) to assess transition readiness among YYAs with mental health concerns (requires more study in YYAs with EDs)
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Prioritizing research efforts investigating on long-term outcomes of YYAs undergoing transition from pediatric to adult ED and/or mental health care
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Evaluating acceptance, transfer, leaving treatment, and discharge rates among YYAs transitioning from pediatric to adult care with the goal of understanding the process of transition and identifying factors that facilitate effective transition
Check out these guidelines, titled “Transitions for youth and young adults with eating disorders and/or other mental health conditions: a Canadian guideline,” published in the Journal of Eating Disorders in July 2025.
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