Childhood Schizophrenia

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Childhood Schizophrenia happens. Although this chronic brain disorder is more prevalent in adults, occurrences of hallucinations have been reported in children as young as 5 years of age. Still, parents need not panic, as pediatric schizophrenia only develops in about 1 in 40,000 children.

As a parent if you suspect something is mighty wrong, it usually is. Most especially if schizophrenia 'runs in the family', you should get familiar with the symptoms of early onset Schizophrenia.

Childhood Schizophrenia is a difficult diagnosis. Its symptoms are often mistaken for autism, Asperger syndrome or bipolar disorder. Lab tests and psychiatric evaluations are necessary to distinguish this brain malfunction from other mental challenges.

What are Symptoms of Early Onset Schizophrenia?

Children manifest similar symptoms of adult Schizophrenia including social withdrawal, hallucinations and delusions. This mental illness develops gradually, beginning in the infant and toddler stages. Be alert for any of these symptoms during infancy: floppy baby syndrome or poor muscle tone, fast movin...

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