Neurodevelopmental damage seems to be greater in childhood schizophrenia than in the adult-onset type.
Most schizophrenic children show delays in language and other functions long before their psychotic symptoms (hallucinations,
delusions, and disordered thinking) appear, usually at age seven or later. In the first years of life, about 30% of these
children have transient symptoms of pervasive developmental disorder, such as rocking, posturing, and arm flapping. Childhood
home movies indicate uneven motor development, such as unusual crawling, in adult-onset schizophrenic patients. Children with
schizophrenia may be even more seriously impaired in this respect; they are also more anxious and disruptive than adult-onset
schizophrenic patients were as children.
Early Warning Signs:
- trouble discerning dreams from reality
- seeing things and hearing voices that are not real
- confused thinking
- vivid and bizarre thoughts and ideas
- extreme moodiness
- peculiar behavior
- concept that people are “out to get them”
- behaving younger than chronological age
- severe anxiety and fearfulness
- confusing television or movies with reality
- severe problems in making and keeping friends
The behavior of children with this illness may change over time. The schizophrenic psychosis develops
gradually in children, without the sudden psychotic break that sometimes occurs in adolescents and adults. Children may begin
talking about strange fears and ideas. They may start to cling to parents or say things that do not make sense. Children who
used to enjoy relationships with others may become more shy or withdrawn and seem to be in their own world.
Treatment
Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important. Children
with the problems and symptoms listed above must have a complete evaluation. These children may 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
identified.
Standard antipsychotic drugs appear to be effective for schizophrenic children and adolescents, and
the atypical drug clozapine is helpful for at least half of those who do not respond to typical drugs. In a few cases their
psychotic symptoms seem to disappear entirely. Unfortunately, children may be more susceptible than adults to the toxic effects
of clozapine; about one third of them have to stop taking it because of the side effects. Newer antipsychotic drugs that may
be safer and just as effective are now being tested.
Parents need to 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 More Information:
Contact you local Mental Health Association, community mental health center, or:
National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA
22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD)
60 Cuttermill
Rd
Suite 200
Great Neck, NY 11021
Phone: (800) 829-8289
Schizophrenics Anonymous
Mental Health in Michigan
15920 W. Twelve Mile
Southfield,
MI 48076
Phone: (313) 557-6777
