Guide to Early Onset Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most difficult mental illnesses to deal with, both for those who are suffering and for their loved ones. This disease primarily affects adults, however, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 1 in 100 of those suffering with schizophrenia developed the first symptoms in childhood. The effective diagnosis and treatment of this illness in children poses specific problems. Schizophrenia is characterized by as "an abnormality in the perception, or expression of reality." ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia ) Extreme delusions about the state of reality and a reaction to it can be greatly exaggerated into fearful and harmful manifestations. Hallucinations and delusions are common to those suffering. This can be in the form of hearing voices or seeing things or people that are not there. It can result in disorganization of speech, inappropriate behavior, extreme emotional outbursts, and even catatonia. This can make it almost impossible for a schizophrenic to operate in society and can cause them to inflict harm on themselves and others.

Diagnosis of schizophrenia as held in the DSM IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is conducted by the observation of the following symptoms:

Delusions, hallucinations, thought disorder, grossly disorganized behavior, lack of emotional response, social/occupational dysfunction, and continuation longer than 6 months.

What makes this so difficult to diagnose in children is that the symptoms can often be mistaken for a number of other disorders, such as depression and bi-polar disorder. Substance abuse is often another misdiagnosis. These other disorders must all be ruled out before a proper consensus can be reached.

In conjunction, the pervasive hallucinations associated with schizophrenia are often present in children with other conditions. Mood disorders and dissociative disorders especially can be characterized with auditory hallucinations similar to those caused by schizophrenia. Symptoms are also most commonly a gradual condition that worsens with time. This can hinder early detection.

Social dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of mental illness in children. However, usually this is from a pervasive developmental disorder such as autism or Asperger's disorder. These are both common misdiagnoses for a schizophrenic child.

Although successfully diagnosing schizophrenia can be difficult, there are important factors that can make it simpler as well. The social networks of children are often more defined and they are given more attention within the networks as well. These being chiefly school and family.

Schizophrenia is a dire illness and amongst children, the prognosis for recovery is worse than for adults. The simple case being that it may affect their schooling and education. Care must be taken to get the children in the proper educational courses and programs. Most counties have a system in place to help in the case of these children with special needs. If this can be done early, a favorable prognosis is much more possible.

The causes of schizophrenia are not at all understood by the medical community and for now it is thought to be chiefly a genetic predisposition. If you are a parent, you should not concern yourself with the cause and why's and how's of its occurrence. This is a waste of time and energy that can better be spent on the extra attention the child will need and the treatments available.

The most common and helpful treatment are antipsychotic medications. The newest forms of these drugs have proven to significantly reduce hallucinations and delusions. The side-effects of these drugs, while still being considerable, have also been reduced. Olanzapine and clozapine are the chief amongst these new pharmaceuticals. The most common side-effect is excess weight gain, but loss of some motor coordination has been shown to exist as well.

Counseling is also extremely important as part of a well-balanced treatment. This includes one-on-one counseling with the child, family counseling, and possibly group treatments with other children. Included in this counseling are special classes designed to increase social skills and reduce conflict with other children.

As with most physical and mental illness, the best chances for recovery come from early detection and the beginning of a treatment program. If your child begins to show drastic symptoms such as those mentioned that are seriously affecting his or her development, then you should see your doctor immediately. Even if it is not something as severe as schizophrenia, you will thank yourself later. Just remember, there is hope for your child to live a long and productive life through treatment of the disorder.