WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Schizophrenia is a serious medical illness that causes strange thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior. It is an uncommon psychiatric illness in children and is hard to recognize in its early phases.  The cause of schizophrenia is not known, however current research suggests that brain changes, bio-chemical, genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important.

The behavior of children and adolescents with schizophrenia may differ from that of adults with this illness. Child and adolescent psychiatrists look for several of the following early warning signs in youngsters with schizophrenia:

• seeing things and hearing voices which are not real (hallucinations),
• odd and eccentric behavior, and/or speech,
• unusual or bizarre thoughts and ideas,
• confusing television and dreams from reality,
• confused thinking,
• extreme moodiness,
• ideas that people are "out to get them," or talking about them,
• behaving like a younger child,
• severe anxiety and fearfulness,
• confusing television and dreams with reality,
• difficulty relating to peers, and keeping friends,
• withdrawn and increased isolation,
• decline in personal hygiene.

The behavior of children with schizophrenia may change slowly over time. For example, children who used to enjoy relationships with others may start to become more shy or withdrawn and seem to be in their own world.  Sometimes youngsters will begin talking about strange fears and ideas. They may start to cling to parents or say things which do not make much sense. These early problems may first be noticed by the child's school teachers.

Schizophrenia is a life long disease that can be controlled but not cured. Children with the problems and symptoms listed above must have a complete evaluation. Usually these children need comprehensive treatment plans involving other professionals. A combination of medication and individual therapy, family therapy, and specialized programs (school, activities, etc.) is often necessary. Psychiatric medication can be helpful for many of the symptoms and problems identified. These medications require careful monitoring by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Parents should ask their family physician or pediatrician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist who is specifically trained and skilled at evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children with schizophrenia.