Childhood schizophrenia is considered rare, affecting only 1 in every 40,000 children aged below 13. Schizophrenia is diagnosed more in teens and young adults, eventually affecting 1 in 100 adults.
Although childhood schizophrenia is basically the same disorder as that experienced in adulthood, it does present unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, medication, educational needs, and emotional and family support.
What are the signs and symptoms of childhood schizophrenia?
A child with schizophrenia may find it increasingly hard to function in normal social and personal day-to-day activities. Collectively known as psychosis, these signs and symptoms may include –
1. Delusions – having beliefs of being under threat or danger, which are untrue
2. Hallucinations – hearing, seeing or feeling things that are not there
3. Disorganized thinking – inability to follow instructions or complete tasks, easily confused
4. Lack of emotional feeling or expression, or inappropriate expression
5. Irrational behavior
6. Staying still or immobile for no reason
7. Unnecessary or excessive movement with no aim or goal
8. Limited or no communication with others
Early signs of childhood schizophrenia to look out for include disruptive behavior, social withdrawing, academic problems, problems with speech or language and other delays in development. The difficulty lies in the fact that many of these signs could be indicative of other issues or conditions.
Advice on seeking medical help
Should you suspect or find that your child is showing early signs of schizophrenia, you should not hesitate to look for medical advice or help. Any changes in behavior or his or her ability to interact with others, or difficulty in class – consult a pediatrician or a child development specialist.
Treatment
Medication
As with medication for adults suffering from this disorder, treatment for childhood schizophrenia is likely to involve antipsychotic drugs which aid in suppressing psychotic behaviors, and limit the intensity of psychotic episodes or their recurrence.
Additional interventions
In addition, the following interventions may be included to complement medication -- social skills training, age-appropriate disease and treatment education, and psycho-therapy for the patient’s parents.
While there is no cure per se for childhood schizophrenia, proper treatment and medical services with the right medication will help you and your family manage the disorder, learn how to cope with its effects and address other developmental needs that arise as a result.
Important Fact #1: Possible Signs Of Schizophrenia
Look out for any of the following signs of schizophrenia -- paranoia, delusions, inactivity or hyperactivity, unusual/strange or lack of emotional responses, over or under sensitivity, self-imposed social isolation, hostility, lack of interest in proper personal hygiene and extreme depression. |
Important Fact #2: Mention Of Suicide
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to try taking their lives. At all times, take any mention of suicide by them seriously and seek medical assistance. |
Important Fact #3: Curing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia cannot be completely cured. However medical experts will tell you that 90% of people with the disorder can look forward to recovering to a degree that will enable them to function and lead happy lives. |
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