Pathways into adult care

Increasing the age-limit for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to 18 years of age will go some way towards dealing with the acknowledged transition problems between CAMHS and adult mental health services. However, philosophies of care traditions sufficiently different between the two services that a barrier will continue to exist. This has a particular impact on the early detection and treatment of psychosis and on the after care of young people with pervasive developmental disorders. Some degree of joint working will be the best way forward.