Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Schizophrenia in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

Schizophrenia is understood as a chronic disabling condition, which has a significant negative impact on the life of a patient and their family. When the onset of illness for schizophrenia is before 18 years of age, it is known as early-onset schizophrenia (EOS). Further, based on the age of onset, schizophrenia is categorized as very early onset schizophrenia (VEOS) when the age of onset is <13 years and EOS when the age of onset is between 13 and 18 years. When the onset of illness is before 13 years of age, it is known as childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS). Epidemiological data suggest that onset of schizophrenia in childhood is rare, especially before the age of 6 years. The peak age for onset of schizophrenia is considered to be 15–30 years. The prevalence of various psychotic disorders has been reported to be 0.4% among children and adolescents aged 5–18 years. In terms of relationship between age of onset and gender, it is suggested that EOS is more often seen in males; however, there is equal distribution between both the genders, as the age of onset increases.