Schizophrenia in Children

Overview

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are medical illnesses that result in strange or bizarre thinking, perceptions like sight, sound, behaviours, and emotions. Psychosis is a brain-based condition that is made better or worse by environmental factors like stress. Children and youth who experience psychosis often say "something is not quite right" or can't tell if something is real or not real. It is a rare psychiatric illness in young children, although not uncommon and is hard to recognize in its early phases.

Childhood Onset

Most children with schizophrenia show delays in language and other functions long before their psychotic symptoms e.g. hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking, appear. 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-onset of psychosis may present with poor motor development, such as unusual crawling, and children may be more anxious and disruptive compared to those with later onset.

Treating Schizophrenia in Children

Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important. It is important to seek help from a professional. There are child psychologists in Delhi available at leading therapy centres 

in Delhi which provide early intervention in Delhi as well as behavioural therapy in Delhi. A combination of medication and individual therapy, family therapy, and specialized programs (wraparound services, early psychosis treatment) is often necessary for such children. Changes in life style (keeping stress low, taking fish oils), additional supports (therapy and school support) and psychiatric medication can be helpful for many of the symptoms and problems identified with therapy. 

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