Gastrointestinal Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: Preparing for a Smooth Transition to Adult-Centered Care

Abstract

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent in youth worldwide. The chronicity of these conditions often results in their persistence into adulthood. Challenges typically faced by young people transitioning to adulthood are often exacerbated in those with chronic gastrointestinal disease. Increased awareness of these challenges among health care professionals and appropriate policies and procedures for health care transition are critical. This article summarizes research on the challenges faced by emerging adults with the gastrointestinal disease during the transition to adult care. Barriers to optimal transitional care and current guidelines are discussed and used to offer practical recommendations for health care professionals working with this population.

Keywords: Adolescence; Adulthood; Disorders of the gut–brain interaction; Emerging adults; Gastrointestinal disease; Health care transition; Inflammatory bowel disease.