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. Child and adolescent
psychiatrists look for several of the following early warning signs in
youngsters with schizophrenia:
seeing things and hearing voices which are not real
(hallucinations),
odd and eccentric behavior, and/or speech,
unusual or bizarre thoughts and ideas,
confusing television and dreams from reality,
confused thinking,
extreme moodiness,
ideas that people are "out to get them," or talking about them,
behaving like a younger child,
severe anxiety and fearfulness,
confusing television and dreams with reality,
difficulty relating to peers, and keeping friends.
withdrawn and increased isolation,
decline in personal hygiene.
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may start to become more shy or withdrawn and seem to be in their own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 which do not
make much sense. These early problems may first be noticed by the
child's school teachers.
Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness. The cause of
schizophrenia is not known, however current research suggests that brain
changes, bio-chemical, genetic and environmental factors may play a
role. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important. Schizophrenia
is a life long disease that can be controlled but not cured. Children
with the problems and symptoms listed above must have a complete
evaluation. Usually these children need comprehensive 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 identified. These
medications require careful monitoring by a child and adolescent
psychiatrist.
Parents should ask their family physician or pediatrician to refer
them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist who is specifically trained
and skilled at evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children with
schizophrenia.
For additional
information see Your Child (1998 Harper Collins)/Your Adolescent (1999
Harper Collins).
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
represents over 6900 child and adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians
with at least five years of additional training beyond medical school in
general (adult) and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Free distribution of individual Facts for Families sheets is a public
service of the AACAP Special Friends of Children Fund. Please make a
tax-deductible contribution to the AACAP Special Friends of Children Fund
and support this important public outreach. (AACAP, Special Friends of
Children Fund, P.O. Box 96106, Washington, D.C. 20090).
