Schizophrenia is a rare psychiatric illness in children, occurring 1 in 40,000, compared to 1 in 100 in adults.
Causes of childhood schizophrenia- research is still needed
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Damage to the nervous system during early development
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Genetic predisposition (family history)
Symptoms of childhood schizophrenia
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Trouble distinguishing dreams and fantasies from reality
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Auditory and visual hallucinations: seeing things and hearing voices that are not real
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Confused train of thought
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Bizarre thoughts and ideas
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Fluctuations in mood
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Peculiar or behaviors
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Concept that people are “out to get them”
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Behaving at a younger capacity
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Severe anxiety and fearfulness
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Severe problems in making and keeping friends
Treating childhood schizophrenia
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Medications
There are only two medications known as atypical antipsychotics that are FDA approved for use in children. It is risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify) for adolescents ages 13 to 17. As with any medications, it is important to observe and report side effects immediately.
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Ongoing, age-appropriate education about the disease
Consult a psychologist to help educate the child suffering from the disease as well as family members including siblings.
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Social skills and basic life skills training
This includes being at home, school and in the community.
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Psychotherapy for child and parents or guardians
This may include a variety of therapies (therapy that focuses on coping strategies, therapy that uses play or art to teach skills, therapy encouraging problem-solving skills, etc).
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Special educational programs
A child may be involved in these programs to address learning and developmental needs.
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Day programs or at-home services
These are for children who can’t attend school for an entire day.
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Hospitalization
When psychotic behaviors cannot be managed well by drug treatment or therapy a child may need to be hospitalized. Also if a child’s behavior presents a danger to the child or others, police and professional therapists can place a child under a 5150 hold (hospitalization for psychiatric evaluation).
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Support groups for patients and families
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