No specific treatment exists. Evidence suggests that environmental stress precipitates manifest illness in children with a genetic predisposition. Abnormalities of dopamine metabolism have been hypothesized but are unproved. The prevalence of this disorder increases with age. Whereas autism and pervasive developmental disorder are distinctly different from the adult schizophrenias, childhood schizophrenia forms a continuum with the adolescent and adult forms.
Diagnosis is based on descriptive clinical phenomena.
Treatment Combined psychotropic and psychotherapeutic treatment is required. Specialized educational systems, eg, Day Treatment, may be required for very bright children because the waxing and waning of this disorder significantly affects the child's development. Because residential treatment has become relatively rare, having family members, friends, and social agencies provide respite care is extremely valuable in the ongoing treatment of children with schizophrenia. All rights reserved.