Schizophrenia and psychosis

Clinically defined psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are rare in children and adolescents while psychotic symptoms are surprisingly common. Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia can inflict serious disability when the onset is in childhood and adolescence. Understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology and the natural course of schizophrenia is essential for the provision of adequate clinical care for patients with early-onset schizophrenia. In this chapter we provide an overview of the clinical presentation of schizophrenia and related psychotic syndromes in children and adolescents, with an overview of up-to-date information regarding the pathophysiological underpinnings of psychosis. An outline for clinical assessment is also provided along with a summary of evidence-based treatment options that aim to reduce the morbidity associated with this group of severe mental illnesses