Although the majority of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia are adults, there are children who have schizophrenia as well. Children with schizophrenia will experience the same symptoms as adults with schizophrenia. These symptoms include hallucinations, confusions in cognitive thinking, and difficulties managing emotions.  However, schizophrenia’s influences on children can be more significant and harmful than adults because children are still in the developmental stage, both mentally and behaviorally.

            Since schizophrenia is an illness that requires chronic care and treatment, treating children with schizophrenia as early as possible can lessen the harmful impacts of schizophrenia. If you are a parent, you may find yourself asking the question “How do I know if my children have schizophrenia?” Usually, children with schizophrenia have symptoms such as language delay, walking delay, and abnormal motor behaviors.  These symptoms are similar to those of autism. Therefore, it is difficult for parents to realize that their children may suffer from schizophrenia.

            During teenage years, teenagers with schizophrenia may have poorer performances in school, lack of motivation, insomnia, and irritability. Again, parents may usually regard these symptoms as what teenagers go through in their normal stage.  It is very difficult to detect schizophrenia when teenagers only have mild symptoms. If possible, parents should always seek professional help to get their children diagnosed.

            Children with schizophrenia face different kinds of stigmas than adults because their peer groups are also different. A drop in school performance could have an important impact on the children’s self-confidence and even social lives. The other children from the school may also be uneducated and ignorant about this illness. It is helpful to join a support group for people with schizophrenia.

Reference:

“Childhood schizophrenia” Mayo Clinic. Web. 11 October 2014.