1. Learn the Signs of Juvenile-Onset Schizophrenia
Most schizophrenic symptoms are the same for children as they are for adults, with the exception of psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations. These occur primarily after adolescence. It is extremely rare for a child younger than five to develop schizophrenia; however, after that age many children do experience signs of the disorder. For this reason, it is important to monitor the child if they exhibit strange behavior, especially if you have a history of schizophrenia in your family.
Although adolescent symptoms are essentially the same as adult indicators, they may manifest themselves in distinctive ways. For example, a symptom of paranoia may cause the child to focus on a fear of authority or to develop a hatred for officers of the law. Reality distortion may hide beneath the guise of an "overly creative imagination" when, for example, the child confuses television with reality. Moodiness and loss of emotional control might be interpreted as "teen angst." Social impairment, including difficulty keeping friends or relating to peers, could be seen as a "rebellious nature." In addition, schizophrenic symptoms may be mistaken for similar disorders, such as depression, bipolar or drug addiction.
Naturally, some parents seek to deny these symptoms or to disregard them as being less serious than they appear. Although this gives the parent temporary comfort from their fears, it does nothing to help the child. Before assuming your child?s symptoms are harmless, consult a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis. The earlier schizophrenia is detected and treated, the better your child will cope with the disorder.
2. Understand That It Is Not Your Fault
In the past, it was believed that schizophrenia was caused by negative parenting styles. In particular, theorists said that the mother's way of relating to the child directly influenced the onset of schizophrenia. The theory called this person the "Schizophrenogenic Mother." She was a cold individual who rejected her child, but also sought to control him. This mixed-message is referred to as a "double-bind," and is seen when an abuser strikes or insults a target in one breath, and then affirms a love for them in the next.
Theorists asserted that this confusing and contradictory way of relating caused the child to develop improperly and to acquire the thought-fragmenting symptoms of schizophrenia. This theory damaged mothers of schizophrenic persons by causing feelings of blame and guilt, and the theory lacked significant scientific evidence to substantiate its claims. Consequently, the modern psychological community has largely rejected the notion of a "Schizophrenogenic Mother."
Research, nonetheless, does support the idea that a mother under significant stress (such as the loss of a relative) during pregnancy has a much higher chance of her child experiencing flawed brain development. Biochemical and neurological deficiencies have been positively linked to schizophrenia. For this reason, the place to begin protecting your children from schizophrenia is in the womb. Do this by taking good care of yourself and avoiding stressful situations whenever possible.
3. Provide Your Child with Professional and Practical Help
Although parents' actions do not cause schizophrenia, research has demonstrated that certain behaviors can exacerbate their child's symptoms. This is particularly true in families that have high levels of negative emotion accompanied by criticism, hostility and little encouragement. Therefore, it is important for the child's sake, as well as the family's, for members that relate in this manner to consider altering their behavior and interacting in more positive ways.
Professional help includes asking a licensed mental health professional to assess the child's condition. The youth may be referred to a specialist in child and adolescent psychopathology. Once the disorder is diagnosed, treatment can begin. Typically, management will encompass both psychosocial and biological care. Adult medication will work for children suffering with schizophrenia, but the antipsychotic drug Abilify (aripiprazole) is especially effective and has recently been approved for use with children by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Practical things that parents can do include ensuring the child has a stable routine, enrolling the child in special school programs, joining a support group, participating in family counseling sessions and minimizing stressful events in your child?s life. Finally, parents should educate themselves about juvenile-onset schizophrenia and use this knowledge to handle any emerging crises. For more information, contact The National Mental Health Association or The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression.
