These early problems may first be noticed by the child's school teachers. 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. Free distribution of single Facts sheets is a public service made possible by the Academy Endowment Fund. This fund supports educational programs and materials designed to educate parents, families, teachers, caregivers, and others about the mental illnesses affecting nearly 12.5 million children and adolescents in an effort to de-stigmatize these illnesses, promote early identification and treatment, and encourage funding for scientifically based research. Please make a tax deductible contribution to the Academy Endowment Fund and support this public outreach.