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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of childhood schizophrenia may include:
- Seeing or hearing things that don't exist (hallucinations), especially voices
- Having beliefs not based on reality (delusions)
- Lack of emotion
- Emotions inappropriate for the situation
- Social withdrawal
- Poor school performance
- Decreased ability to practice self-care
- Strange eating rituals
- Incoherent speech
- Illogical thinking
- Agitation
Symptoms may be difficult to interpret
When childhood schizophrenia begins very early in life — perhaps even at age 6, 7 or 8 — symptoms may build up gradually. The early signs and symptoms may be so vague that you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong, or you may attribute them to a developmental phase. As time goes on, the symptoms may become more severe and more noticeable to family, friends and school officials. Eventually, your child may develop the symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions and difficulty with organizing his or her thoughts. As thoughts become more disorganized, there's often a "break from reality." This phase of childhood schizophrenia is often the most distressing to children and their families and frequently results in hospitalization and treatment with medication.
When to see a doctor
It can be difficult to know how to handle vague behavioral changes in your child. You may be afraid of rushing to conclusions that may lead to stigmatizing labels. Yet, treatment at the first sign of a problem may help in the long run.
If you notice that your child has stopped meeting daily expectations, such as bathing or dressing, no longer wants to socialize, is slipping in academic performance, has violent or aggressive behavior, or has other signs and symptoms of a possible mental health disorder, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. These general signs and symptoms don't necessarily mean a child has childhood schizophrenia. They could indicate simply a phase or another condition, such as depression, an anxiety disorder or a medical illness that requires other types of assessment and help.
If your child has a change in thinking, such as developing hallucinations, disorganized thinking patterns or distortions in reality, seek medical care as soon as possible, as these symptoms should be addressed right away. Your child's teacher or other school personnel also may bring to your attention changes in your child's behavior or function.
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- Treatment of patients with schizophrenia, Second Edition. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
