Essay on Childhood Schizophrenia - 2373 Words

Schizophrenia is a mental illness which affects millions of people throughout the world. Scientists have begun to understand more and more about the possible causes, predisposing factors, types, and possible treatments for schizophrenia. (Torrey, 1995) It is very rare for schizophrenic symptoms to appear before the age of 12 but it does occur. Recently, there has been a growing interest in childhood schizophrenia. It is less than one-sixtieth as common as the adult-onset type but the characteristics are very similar. Childhood schizophrenia also tends to be harder to treat and to have a worse prognosis than the adult-onset form. (Rapoport, 1997) Childhood schizophrenia is seen as simply an early version of the adult-disease but it†¦show more content†¦It seems to be centered in the 6th-7th month of fetal development, a period characterized by neuronal migration and especially rapid brain growth. (Eggers, 1991) Once the child is born, there are many signs of the onset of schizophrenia. Major feeding disturbances occurred and children were described as having poor sucking ability or falling asleep every time the mother tried to nurse. (Cantor, 1988) The major sign is the mother-infant relationship. The child has no desire to cuddle with the parents or be held and create the bond that is so desperately needed. (Arieti, 1974) The sleep cycle is often the first symptom to pre-schizophrenia. Infants were reported to ‘sleep almost constantly during the first few months, yet by the age of six months, they refuse to sleep at all. (Cantor, 1988) Severe nightmares are very common in the first two years of life, where t he child is unable to be awoken, or the child wakes spontaneously, vomits, and falls back asleep. (Cantor, ‘88) By the time the child is three or four, serious sleep disorders begin to develop. The child just cant fall asleep, and it seems like they just cant relax. (Cantor, ‘88) These children are more likely to sleep walk, and have no fear in doing anything while in this state. Both sleep behavior and understanding of danger improve as the child matures; in fact, schizophrenic children become cautious and fearful as the awareness of their alien worldShow MoreRelatedChildhood Onset Schizophrenia And Its Effects1376 Words   |  6 Pagesseverely abnormal functions, disturbed behaviors and the likelihood to seriously diminish nearly all functionality of life—this disorder is known as schizophrenia. While extremely rare, schizophrenia can develop in childhood, sometimes as young as two to four years. This is referred to as childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS). †Å"Childhood-onset schizophrenia is a severe form of psychotic disorder that occurs at age 12 years or younger and is often chronic and persistently debilitating† (DSM-5). By a vastRead MoreChildhood Schizophrenia Interventions. 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