Butearly identificationand treatment are important in managing their symptoms and improving your childs long-term prognosis.
Schizophreniais a mental illness that causes people to interpret reality abnormally.
It involves a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems that impair a childs ability to function.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and prevalence of schizophrenia in children.
Prevalence of Schizophrenia in Kids
Onset usually occurs between the late teens and the mid-thirties.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 0.25% to 0.64% of Americans have schizophrenia.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Childhood schizophrenia, characterized by onset before age 13, is only found in 1 in 40,000 children.
Childhood schizophrenia presents special challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Childhood Schizophrenia
Scientists havent found a single set ofcauses for schizophrenia.
Childhood schizophrenia is also often associated with cognitive delays.
Early Signs
Schizophrenia can be more difficult to diagnose in younger children.
Course
The course of schizophrenia varies from person to person.
But, there are hallmark phases that people tend to experience.
When to See a Doctor
Its hard to identify schizophrenia in children.
That key in of pretend play doesnt mean your child is having hallucinations.
Kids also arent good at telling adults about their symptoms.
When young children are asked questions about hallucinations or delusions, many of them say yes.
But, that doesnt mean they have psychosis.
So asking your child questions like, Do you ever see things that no one else sees?
isnt likely to give you much insight into whether your child should see a doctor.
Symptoms also tend to begin gradually.
Over time, however, a child may develop psychosis and the symptoms become much more obvious.
But its important to find out the reasons for any concerning changes that youre seeing.
Diagnosing Schizophrenia in Children
There isnt a lab test that identifies schizophrenia.
Other conditions must also be ruled out.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Medical conditions may also result in overlapping symptoms.
Drug use may also cause psychosis.
Prescription drug misuse may also lead to acute psychosis.
Symptoms generally resolve within a few days to weeks after the drug is discontinued.
All other potential conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made.
Treatments for Schizophrenia in Kids
Antipsychotic medicationis the primary treatment for schizophrenia in children and adults.
People with schizophrenia are at significant risk of relapse if they stop taking their antipsychotic medication.
Talk therapy may also be helpful to children with schizophrenia.
Children and their parents may benefit from psychoeducation and problem-solving sessions.
It may be important for siblings to get involved in therapy so they can understand their siblings behavior.
Social skills training, relapse prevention, and basic life skills training may also be helpful.
Some children with schizophrenia may need specialized education programs or vocational training programs.
If a child becomes a danger to themselves or others,psychiatric hospitalizationmay be necessary.
Inpatient treatment can be helpful for getting severe symptoms under control.
Adolescents are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior during their first episode of psychosis.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
There isnt a cure for schizophrenia, but symptoms can be managed with treatment.
Early intervention is key to improving the outcome for children with schizophrenia.
Ask your childs doctor for resources on schizophrenia.
TheNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), may also be a valuable resource.
Its important to take care of yourself as well.
Attend a support group or seek therapy for yourself.
Managing your stress level will be key to helping you be best equipped to support your child.
Caring for yourself while seeking appropriate treatment for your child is also essential.
Early treatment can help improve outcomes.
It can also help limit some of more serious symptoms such as psychosis.
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