Schizophrenia in Children

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Extremely rare; clean population prevalence NE
Is it more common among children? Childhood-onset schizophrenia is exceptionally rare
Are children at higher risk? Rare
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very high
Does it show up differently among children? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Developmental regression, social/academic deterioration, unusual beliefs/perceptions; diagnosis requires exceptional caution
What commonly occurs alongside it? Neurodevelopmental disorders; anxiety/depression
What can it be confused with? Autism; developmental disorders; trauma; mood disorders; neurological disease
Common screening tool Specialist assessment
Separate screening tool for children Youth psychosis-risk instruments exist
1 of 14