American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

This practice parameter reviews the literature on the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. Recommendations are based on the limited research available, the adult literature, and clinical experience. Early-onset schizophrenia is diagnosed using the same criteria as in adults, and appears to be continuous with the adult form of the disorder. Noted characteristics of youth with schizophrenia include predominance in males, high rates of premorbid abnormalities, and often poor outcome. Differential diagnosis includes psychotic mood disorders, developmental disorders, organic conditions, and nonpsychotic emotional/behavioral disorders. Treatment strategies incorporate antipsychotic medications with psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, and social and educational support programs. The advent of atypical antipsychotic agents has enhanced the potential for effective treatment.