CHILDHOOD SCHIZOPHRENIA AND

DEPRESSION

CHILDHOOD SCHIZOPHRENIA

Definition

• Childhood schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which children interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognitive), behavior or emotions.

Causes

• Unknown

• Brain disorders

• Genetics and environment

• Problems with neurotransmitters

• Difference in brain structure

Risk factors

• Family history of schizophrenia

• Exposure to viruses, toxins or malnutrition while in the womb

• Abnormal activation of the immune system

• Older age of the father

• Taking psychoactive drugs during teen years

Onset

• symptoms start in the late teens to the mid-30s

• Early-onset schizophrenia occurs in children younger than age 17

• Very early-onset schizophrenia in children younger than age 13.

 Clinical Features

Early signs and symptoms

• Language delays

• Late or unusual crawling

• Late walking

• Other abnormal motor behaviors

Contd…..

Symptoms in teenagersWithdrawal from friends and familyA drop in performance at schoolTrouble sleepingIrritability or depressed moodLack of motivationStrange behavior

Contd…

Teens may be:

• Less likely to have delusions

• More likely to have visual hallucinations

Contd…

Later signs and symptoms

• Hallucinations. 

• Delusions. 

• Disorganized thinking (speech).

• Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. 

• Negative symptoms.

Diagnostic Measures

• Child's medical and psychiatric history

• Conduct a physical examination

• Medical and psychological screenings

• Review school records.

Tests and screenings. 

• Blood tests

• Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT)

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Psychological evaluation

• Observe appearance and demeanor

• Asking about thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns

• Talking to child about any thoughts of self-harm or harming others

• Evaluate the ability to think and function at an age-appropriate level

• Assessing mood, anxiety and possible psychotic symptoms.

 Diagnostic criteria

• Hallucinations• Delusions• Disorganized speech• Disorganized behavior• Catatonic behavior, which can range

from a coma-like daze to bizarre, hyperactive behavior

• Negative symptoms, which relate to lack of or reduced ability to function normally

Treatment

• Medications

• Individual and family therapy

• Social and academic skills training

• Hospitalization

• Lifestyle and home remedies

Complications

• Poor performance or inability to attend school or work

• Inability to perform daily activities, such as bathing or dressing

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Suicide

• Self-injury

• Anxiety and phobias

• Depression

Contd…

• Abuse of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications

• Poverty

• Homelessness

• Family conflicts

• Inability to live independently

• Health problems

• Being a victim of aggressive behavior

• Aggressive behavior

CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION

DEFINITION

• Being unable to enjoy activities that they once enjoyed, complaining about physical ailments, or may seem bored and have problems concentrating, among other symptoms.

INCIDENCE

• Each year depression affects 17 million people of all age groups, races, and economic backgrounds

• 1 in every 33 children may have depression

• In teens, that number may be as high as 1 in 8

CAUSES

• Lowered levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

• Genetics

• Significant life events

• Stress

• Chronic illness.

TYPES

• Major depression 

• Dysthymia

• Bipolar disorder

CLINICAL FEATURES

• Changes in appetite

• Changes in sleep

• Continuous feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue and low energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Contd..

• Impaired thinking or concentration

• Increased sensitivity to rejection

• Irritability or anger

• Physical complaints

• Reduced ability to function

• Social withdrawal

• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Vocal outbursts or crying.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• History

• Mental status examination

• Laboratory tests

• Imaging studies X-ray, scan, or other imaging study

TREATMENT

• Addressing any medical conditions

• Supportive therapy

• PsychotherapyInterpersonal therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy

• Complementary therapies

• Medications

Complications

• Poor academic performance

• Engaging in alcohol and drug abuse

• Job disruptions

• Family and other social upheaval during adulthood.

3. National Regulations

Assessment and ratings

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