Ψ CDA PSYCHOLOGY UNIT Ψ RECOGNIZES WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2014! THEME: Living with Schizophrenia Focus: Schizophrenia in children and teenagers
Definition Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behaviour. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/basics/definition/con-20021077
Schizophrenia in children and teenagers Rarely diagnosed in children--mostly diagnosed in late teens and young adulthood. Children with schizophrenia often see or hear things that don’t really exist. They harbour paranoid and bizarre beliefs. For example they may think that others are plotting against them.
Schizophrenia in children and teenagers Other symptoms include: problems paying attention, impaired memory and reasoning, speech impairment, inappropriate or flat expression of emotion, poor social skills and a depressed mood. Schizophrenia has a profound impact on a child's behavior and development At times it is misdiagnosed as autism or bipolar disorder.
Treatment Lifelong treatment, that may include the following: Antipsychotic medications Individual and family therapy Social and academic skills training Hospitalization
Remember, there is no good health without good mental health!!! WHERE TO GET HELP Family doctor or a pediatrician Psychiatrist or mental health professional Child Guidance Clinics or Mental Health Clinics at your nearest health centre CDA Psychologist, where applicable Remember, there is no good health without good mental health!!!