Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders are serious psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents characterized by a loss of contact with reality in the domains of thought, perception, emotion, and behavior. These disorders can make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between what is real and what is not, significantly impairing functioning.
Psychotic symptoms may include hallucinations (such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs not based in reality), disorganized thinking, incoherent speech, and marked social withdrawal. In adolescents, a sudden decline in academic performance and noticeable behavioral changes may be early warning signs.
The development of these disorders may involve genetic predisposition, factors related to brain development, environmental stressors, and certain neurobiological processes. Careful assessment of early symptoms is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
Treatment includes medication, psychotherapy, family education, and strengthening of social support systems. With early and consistent intervention, symptoms can be managed and overall functioning can be significantly improved.
Dr Mehmet Çolak, SpecialistChild and Adolescent Psychiatrist