Child and adolescent psychosis: A review of characteristics and treatment

A revision of the characteristics of psychotic symptoms in children and ado lescents such as hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders is present ed. Assessment of a psychotic child or adolescent must include a complete p hysical examination and interviews with family and collaborative sources. D ifferential diagnoses of psychosis in this age include schizophrenia, mood, dissociative and pervasive developmental disorders. Psychotic manifestatio ns in young patients are influenced by developmental stage, and their treat ment involves interventions in all spheres. Studies with typical and atypic al antipsychotics for the treatment of different conditions are revisited.