Transition to adult medical care for adolescents with epilepsy

Abstract

Introduction: During transition to adult medical care, the adolescent with epilepsy is especially prone to emotional, mental, physical, and social developmental difficulties, leading to stigma and poor psychosocial and socioeconomic outcome in the long term.

Objectives: The aim of this review is twofold: to describe the psychosocial and medical transition from adolescence to adulthood and to evaluate the most effective model for transitional services in adolescents with epilepsy.

Methods: We searched PubMed for quantitative and qualitative data about transition from adolescence to adulthood in patients with epilepsy.

Results: A total of 49 articles were retrieved. We reviewed personal, psychosocial, and medical issues during transition and their long-term individual and societal consequences. Identifying risk factors for poor transition can lead to appropriate interventions for patients and their family. Although the concept of multidisciplinary transition care for adolescents with epilepsy is widely recognized, only a few transition clinics have been established. There is lack of evidence for their quality and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion: In addition to medical problems, more attention should be paid to the risk of psychosocial problems during transition from pediatric to adult care. The implementation of transition care for adolescents with epilepsy is considered beneficial; however, its effectiveness should be further investigated.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Psychosocial outcome; Transition care; Transition period; Transition to adult care.