The child's schoolteachers may first notice these early problems. Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important. Children with the problems and symptoms listed above must have a complete evaluation. Usually these children need individual treatment plans involving other professionals.
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.