Schizophrenia, a psychological disorder that impairs the patient's concept of reality, affects 1 percent of the world's population, according to the National Institutes of Health. While rare, schizophrenia can begin during childhood, after age 5. Childhood schizophrenia can cause serious problems for the patient as the symptoms disrupt mood and behavior.
Mood Problems
Childhood schizophrenia causes the patient to have psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. With hallucinations, the patient feels, hears or sees things that do not exist. For example, the patient may hear voices telling him to hurt himself. With delusions, the patient has unrealistic thoughts. For example, the patient believes that the government is spying on him. The Mayo Clinic notes that these occurrences can result in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The patient may contemplate killing himself or act strangely, such as saying goodbye to loved ones and giving away his possessions. Helpguide.org adds that patients have the highest risk of suicide during the first six months of treatment, as well as during depressive episodes and psychotic episodes.
Behavioral Issues
A patient with childhood schizophrenia may have behavioral issues. For example, the Mayo Clinic notes that the patient can have self-destructive behavior and conduct problems. These behaviors include the patient disobeying adults, destroying property and participating in fights. She may also use alcohol and drugs or withdraw from friends and family. These behaviors can impact the patient's relationships with others.
School Problems
Childhood schizophrenia can also interfere with the patient's performance in school. The patient has problems doing his schoolwork, which leads to poor grades. The behavioral problems can also contribute to difficulty functioning in a classroom. The Mayo Clinic notes that with untreated childhood schizophrenia, the child may be unable to attend school.
Unable to Care for Self
Severe childhood schizophrenia can make it difficult for the patient to take care of herself. Helpguide.org notes that the patient's symptoms can impair her ability to do basic tasks, such as eating or bathing. In those cases, the patient needs someone to take care of her. The Mayo Clinic adds that childhood schizophrenia can prevent the patient from living alone.
