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Schizophrenia is rare in
children under 12. Schizophrenia may have a gradual onset, with
symptoms of withdrawal and disordered language seen over time, or it can
have a sudden onset in adolescence. Schizophrenia is characterized
by the distorted thinking associated with delusions and hallucinations.
With schizophrenia, the person’s brain is not processing information in
the usual way. Delusions are ideas that seem real but are not
based in reality. Hallucinations occur when a person sees, hears,
or feels things that are not there. A youngster with schizophrenia
may become distant, withdrawn, uninvolved with life, want to be alone,
and have no energy for people or activities.
Youngsters diagnosed with this disorder should get help as soon as
possible. Medication is the most effective treatment for the
symptoms and improves the day-to-day functioning of individuals with
schizophrenia. |
