Schizophrenia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychosis?

• Psychosis is a mental illness.
• It is a mental state in which a person has lost touch with reality.

What are some examples?

There are different types of psychosis. They include:

• Psychosis caused by drugs or alcohol
• Bipolar disorder (also known as Manic-Depression)
• Psychotic Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia

What causes it?

• Psychosis can be caused by different conditions.
• Some cases can be caused by drugs.
• Others may be the result of the brain not functioning right.

Who can get it?

• Certain factors may place a child at higher risk for psychosis.
• A family history of psychosis can place the child at higher risk.
• Adolescents and young adults are at highest risk for having their first psychotic episode.

What are some warning signs?

Warning signs include:

• Loss of motivation and withdrawal.
• Child feels unable to take part in everyday routines and activities.
• Change in sleep patterns-- either sleeping too much or not enough.
• Rebellion or aggression.
• Temper tantrums, self-injury.
• Strange behavior, often acts nervous.
• Lying, cheating.
• Sexually acting out.
• Headaches, often doesn't feel well.
• Withdraws from family and friends.
• Trouble concentrating, loss of memory.
• Loss of interest in school, grades may drop.
• Thinks a lot about new ideas.
• Loss of energy.
• Child acts suspicious of others (not trusting).
• Child worries that something bad is going to happen to her.
• Child may begin to have odd beliefs.
• Child may notice changes in her hearing or vision.

What are the symptoms?

The first episode usually happens in adolescence (10 - 14 years old) or early adult life. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of touch with reality.
• Seeing and hearing things that are not there (hallucinations).
• Thoughts that are strange and disorganized.
• Child shows emotion in strange ways.
• Extreme excitement (mania).
• Confusion.
• Depression.
• Abnormal fear.
• Changes in personality.
• Child believes things that are clearly not true.

How is it diagnosed?

• Early diagnosis may help to shorten the course and decrease the symptoms of a psychotic episode.
• The child should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
• The doctor will need to take time to talk to the child and gain her trust.
• Talking to the child gives the doctor an idea of how she is thinking and feeling.
• The doctor may take tests.
• The child's symptoms should be followed over time and changes in her condition should be noted.
• She may need to be seen by special doctors.

How is it treated?

• Treatment may work better if psychosis is diagnosed early.
• Treatment varies depending on the type and its cause.
• The length of treatment is different for each child.
• Medications can often help change the child's behavior and mental state.

What is the impact of this condition?

• The child may be scared.
• She may isolate herself.
• Relationships with family and friends may change.
• Often, there is loss of trust.
• Her grades may drop or she may lose interest in school.
• She may be unable to go to work or do her job.
• She is at higher risk for substance abuse.
• She is at higher risk for suicide.
• Families may be very worried about their child.
• Families may be confused and hurt by their child's behavior.

How long does it last?

• Treatment is different for each child.
• It will take a different amount of time to see results.
• In many cases, symptoms go away with treatment (remission).
• In other cases, symptoms may improve but not go away.

Can it be prevented?

• Some types of psychosis can be prevented.
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs can help reduce symptoms of psychosis.
• Other types of psychosis can't be prevented.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child shows the behaviors described above.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition or treatment.