SCHIZOPHRENIA IN CHILDREN

What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a medical illness that causes strange thinking or strange feelings and unusual behavior. It is an uncommon psychiatric illness and it is hard to recognize in early phase.

What it the cause of schizophrenia?
The cause of schizophrenia is not known.

What are the symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Children may start seeing things and hearing voices which are not real (hallucinations), have odd and eccentric behavior; have unusual or bizarre thoughts and ideas. Patients are moody, cannot differentiate dreams from reality, have paranoia, severe anxiety, become withdrawn, neglect personal care and become increasing isolated and cannot relate with people

Can children get Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia though seen in adults can occur in children above the age of 5 years.

How to treat Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important. Children with the problems and symptoms listed above must have a complete evaluation. Most of the time these children need individual treatment plans. Schizophrenia is a life-long disease that can be controlled but not cured.

Can Schizophrenia be prevented?
No, it can’t because it’s hard to recognize in its early phase.

Last updated on 01-03-2007