Recognizing and Treating Rare Behavioral and Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Severely Maltreated: Schizophrenia

• NCJ Number: 205430
• Journal: Child Maltreatment Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 161-168
• Author(s): Jeffrey J. Haugaard
• Date Published: May 2004
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: New York State
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For other articles in this series, see NCJ-205425-29 and NCJ-205431.

Annotation

This article identifies the symptoms of schizophrenia in children and adolescents, which is often linked to severe maltreatment, and presents guidelines for distinguishing these symptoms from those of more common childhood disorders, followed by suggestions for treatment.

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe, debilitating, and usually chronic neurological disorder that results in a deterioration of many areas of functioning, including cognitive, affective, and social. Rare in children, schizophrenia usually develops during late adolescence or early adulthood. Schizophrenia in adolescents under the age of 18 is commonly called early onset schizophrenia (EOS). Children who have been severely maltreated may be at greater risk for EOS than other children. The stress of chronic maltreatment or periodic severe maltreatment may push vulnerable children toward the development of a psychosis, particularly if a parent has a history of psychosis. The prognosis for children with EOS and other psychoses is poorer than the prognosis for those who have psychoses with an adult onset. The early identification of EOS or other forms of psychosis is important. Treatment that begins soon after the onset of the disorder may decrease symptom severity and longevity. Treatment for EOS typically includes antipsychotic medication and supportive therapy for the child. Families, including foster or adoptive families, should be involved in treatment, so they can learn how to provide a developmentally appropriate environment for the child with EOS. In addition to treatment interventions, this article discusses the distinguishing of EOS from a variety of other disorders, including mood disorders, autism, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The article also outlines behaviors associated with schizophrenia and other psychoses in children, along with obstacles to recognizing schizophrenia in children. A case study is provided. 26 references