Psychotic Disorders in Children and Teens
Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality that usually includes seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations) and/or false beliefs about who someone is or what is taking place (delusions). Psychosis may be short-term, intermittent, transient or part of a longer-term condition.
Psychotic disorders are referred to as schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, delusional disorder, catatonia, medication.substance-induced psychotic disorder and psychosis due to a medical condition.
One of the most common types of psychotic disorders is schizophrenia. Onset of schizophrenia usually occurs between the mid- to late-teen to the early 30s. Schizophrenia in school-age children is rare.
Early Signs of Psychosis
Early warning signs of psychosis in adolescents may include:
- Sudden drop in grades
- Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
- Suspiciousness or uneasy feelings toward others
- Decline in personal hygiene
- Spending more and more time alone
- Increased sensitivity to sights and/or sounds
- Mistaking noises for voices
- Strange new feelings or no feelings at all
- Trouble organizing thoughts
- Feeling as if they are dreaming while awake
*These symptoms may resemble other conditions or problems. Always consult with a provider for a diagnosis.