Psychosis in Children and Youth: Focus on Early-Onset Schizophrenia

Abstract

On the basis of strong research evidence (1)(3) very early onset (VEOS) and early onset schizophrenia (EOS) carry significant morbidity and mortality risks for children and adolescents. On the basis of strong research evidence, the pathogenesis of EOS is linked to a dysregulation of dopamine and morphologic brain changes. (6)(7) On the basis of some research evidence and consensus, development of schizophrenia is the result of the interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors. (4) On the basis of strong research evidence, antipsychotic medications are the cornerstones of treatment for EOS. (11)(12)(13) On the basis of some research evidence and consensus, (13) treatment for schizophrenia should be timely, multimodal and multidisciplinary, including both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities tooptimize recovery.