Schizophrenia

Early (before age twelve) and adolescent-onset (before age eighteen) schizophrenia are rare conditions (1/40,000) that are characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech (positive symptoms) and emotional blunting, poor socialization, lack of energy and motivation, and cognitive dysfunction (negative symptoms).

Atypical antipsychotics are considered the first-line treatment for child/adolescent schizophrenia that when used together with family psychoeducation, have been found to reduce relapse rates and improve social and academic functioning. 

Treatment Options

Non-medication Interventions

Family Psychoeducation:  This helps families and caregivers learn more about schizophrenia and strategies that can help improve functioning and outcomes.  Education can be delivered in individual-family or multigroup formats and focus on strategies to help decrease stressful family interactions and improve adherence to medication treatments.  These programs are also very helpful in helping caregivers recognize the signs of relapse and improve outcomes. 

Psychosocial-Skills Training:  These types of programs help children/adolescents develop problem-solving skills and social skills in an effort to have more productive lives in making new friends.  Different mental health facilities offer different types of psychosocial programs. 

Medication Interventions

Atypical Antipsychotics:  To date, professional organizations identify atypical antipsychotic drugs as the main treatment for children and adolescents with a psychotic condition.  These medications require careful dose adjustment and monitoring by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.  It is important to note that certain atypical antipsychotics contain black box warnings, which are issued by the FDA and refer to the potential dangers associated with their use.  Please see the FDA's web site (www.fda.gov) or talk to your healthcare provider for further information about the safety and efficacy of atypical antipsychotics. 

Source: Center for the Advancement of Children's Mental Health at Columbia University, New York State Office of Mental Health