PRACTICE PARAMETERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

These practice parameters review the literature on children and adolescents with schizophrenia. Because this literature is sparse, information is also drawn from research with adults. Clinical features in youth with schizophrenia include predominance in males, high rate of premorbid abnormalities, increased family history of schizophrenia, and often poor outcome. Diagnostic issues include the overlap, and therefore potential for misdiagnosis, between the first presenting symptoms of schizophrenia and those of psychotic mood disorders, developmental disorders, organic conditions, and other nonpsychotic emotional/behavioral disorders. Treatment should include using antipsychotic medications in conjunction with psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, and social and educational support programs.