Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating mental illness characterized by strange and unusual behavior and distorted thinking. The cause of the mental disorder is not fully understood, but a chemical imbalance in the brain is thought to be responsible. Although children can show signs of and be diagnosed with schizophrenia, it is rare in youths younger than 12, according to Mental Health America. In most cases, symptoms develop in a person's late teens or twenties. When children begin showing signs of schizophrenia, the onset is often gradual.
Perception of Reality
Children with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and reality, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. For example, they may misinterpret their dreams as being real or think that the shows they watch on television are real. This may also include delusions, which is basically a thought or idea that they act on but is not based in reality.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are common in children who have schizophrenia. These hallucinations can include feeling, hearing and seeing things that are not really there, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Examples include hearing voices or seeing things or people that are not there. Hearing voices is the most common type of hallucination, and schizophrenics often say they hear voices telling them to do something or warning them of danger.
Paranoia
Schizophrenia can cause children to be paranoid or feel as though someone is out to get them, according to the Children's Hospital of Boston. They may think that someone or something is following them with the intent to hurt them or cause them harm. Even with reassurances, the paranoia will remain.
Lack of Emotion
Children with schizophrenia may seem to not have any emotion, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even in situations that would normally provoke a response, they may have none or seem flat or emotionless.
Social Problems
When a child develops schizophrenia, he may begin to withdraw from his friends or his interests and activities, according to the Children's Hospital of Boston. Even children who once had many friends and played well with other children may suddenly seem uninterested in social situations. These children also often have difficulty completing their schoolwork or fitting in at school.
Behavior Changes
When a child develops schizophrenia, you may notice some unusual changes to his behavior. For example, some children will suddenly regress and begin acting much younger than their age, according to Mental Health America. Your child may also suddenly start seeming agitated or more irritable and anxious than previously, or may seem catatonic at times. Your child may also exhibit bizarre behaviors or tell you about bizarre thoughts he is having.
