Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Schizophrenia in Children
Schizophrenia is a medical illness that causes strange
thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior. It is an
uncommon psychiatric illness in children and is hard to
recognize in its early phases.
The behavior of children and adolescents with schizophrenia
may differ from that of adults with this illness.
Psychiatrists look for several of the following early
warning signs in youngsters with schizophrenia:
- trouble telling dreams from reality
- seeing things and hearing voices that are not real
- confused thinking
- vivid and bizarre thoughts and ideas
- extreme moodiness
- odd behavior
- ideas that people are "out to get them"
- behaving like a younger child
- severe anxiety and fearfulness
- confusing television with reality
- severe problems in making and keeping friends.
The behavior of children with schizophrenia may change
slowly over time. For example, children who used to enjoy
relationships with others may start to become more shy or
withdrawn and seem to be in their own world. Sometimes
youngsters will begin talking about strange fears and ideas.
They may start to cling to parents or say things that do not
make sense. These early problems may first be noticed by a
child's teachers at school.
Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness. Early
diagnosis and medical treatment are important. Children
with the problems and symptoms listed above must have a
complete evaluation.
Usually children who have schizophrenia need individual
treatment plans involving other professionals. A
combination of medication and individual therapy, family
therapy, and specialized programs (school, activities, etc.)
is often necessary. Psychiatric medication can be helpful
for many of the symptoms and problems. These medications
require careful monitoring by a child and adolescent
psychiatrist.
If you think your child is showing signs of schizophrenia,
discuss your concerns with your child's physician. The
physician may refer you to a child and adolescent
psychiatrist, who is specifically trained and skilled at
evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children with
schizophrenia.
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