Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia

This practice parameter reviews the literature on the assessment and treatm ent of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. Recommendations are bas ed on the limited research available, the adult literature, and clinical ex perience. Early-onset schizophrenia is diagnosed using the same criteria as in adults, and it appears to be continuous with the adult form bf the diso rder. Noted characteristics of youth with schizophrenia include predominanc e in males, high rates of premorbid abnormalities, and often poor outcome. Differential diagnosis includes psychotic mood disorders, developmental dis orders, organic conditions, and nonpsychotic emotional/behavioral disorders . Treatment strategies incorporate antipsychotic medications with psychoedu cational, psychotherapeutic, and social and educational support programs. T he advent of atypical antipsychotic agents has enhanced the potential for e ffective treatment.