<p>Patient characteristics.</p>

However, systematic evaluation of psychosocial stress is not yet implemented in structured transition programs from pediatric to adult health care. The aim was to evaluate psychosocial burden, family functioning, knowledge of their illnesses and identify needs for support.</p> <p>Methods</p><p>Among n = 92 adolescents with chronic diseases psychosocial stress and family functioning were assessed using validated questionnaires at the beginning of transition: (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), 8-item Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8), Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale (SSD-12), Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation (SCORE-15)).

The patient´s disease-specific knowledge and need for counselling were assessed using a transition questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 42 adolescents with increased psychosocial burden and analysed using qualitative content analysis by Kuckartz.</p> <p>Results</p><p>39.6% (95% CI = 29%, 50%) were moderately impaired by somatic complaints (SSS-8) and 6.5% (95% CI = 1%, 12%) raised severe concerns due to somatic symptoms (SSD-12). 20.6% (95% CI = 10.3%, 28%) showed symptoms of moderate or severe depression (PHQ-9), whereas 11.9% (95% CI = 6.8%, 17.5%) suffered from moderate or severe generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (GAD-7).