Schizophrenia is one of the rarest and most serious mental disorders that can affect children. It significantly impacts a child's ability to concentrate, learn, and interact in the educational environment.
This disorder is not limited to delusions and hallucinations; it also affects memory, attention, and social skills, leading to a significant decline in academic performance if the child does not receive appropriate support. Therefore, understanding this disorder and addressing it educationally and psychologically is essential to ensure a better educational future for the child.
What is Schizophrenia in Children?
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects a child's way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It causes the child to lose the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy, leading to impaired perception, thinking, and behavior. The disorder is rare in childhood but the most dangerous for the child.
Causes of Schizophrenia in Children
Although the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, some factors contribute to its development, including:
- Genetic factors, i.e., a family history of the disease.
- Chemical imbalances in the brain, such as disorders of dopamine or serotonin.
- Problems during pregnancy or childbirth, such as exposure to viruses or lack of oxygen.
- Psychological stressors, such as trauma, physical, or emotional abuse.
Symptoms in Children When Infected
Symptoms may vary from child to child, but they typically include:
- Hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there, especially voices.
- Delusions and unrealistic, unchangeable beliefs.
- Disorganized thinking and difficulty concentrating or expressing thoughts.
- Social withdrawal and lack of communication with others.
- Emotional problems, such as not expressing feelings or inappropriate emotional responses.
- Deterioration in academic performance.
Methods for Diagnosing Schizophrenia in Children
- Diagnosis must be made by a specialized psychiatrist and includes:
- Psychological interviews with the child and parents.
- Behavioral monitoring over a period of time.
- Ruling out other conditions, such as autism or mood disorders.
- Psychological and cognitive tests.
- Medical tests to rule out organic causes.
Potential Complications of Schizophrenia
If the disease is not treated early, it may lead to complications, including:
- Deterioration in educational and social abilities.
- A decline in the child's academic performance.
- Depression or anxiety disorder.
- Drug or alcohol addiction.
- Aggressive and suicidal behavior.
- Persistent dependence on others in daily life.
Medications Used to Treat Children with Schizophrenia
Medications used for treatment include antipsychotics such as:
- Risperidone.
- Aripiprazole.
- Olanzapine.
Important Warning: Please do not take any medication without the supervision and follow-up of a specialized psychiatrist.
Effective Treatment Strategies Alongside Medication
There are several strategies used in conjunction with medication to increase a child's improvement, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to help the child cope with delusions and hallucinations.
- Family therapy to educate the family and provide a supportive environment.
- Individual therapy sessions to improve social and communication skills.
- Occupational and rehabilitation therapy to develop daily living skills.
- Educational support to modify the learning environment to suit the child's condition.
Is schizophrenia in children preventable?
Although complete prevention is difficult, the likelihood of its onset or severity can be reduced by:
- Maintaining maternal health during pregnancy.
- Avoiding psychological trauma to the child.
- Psychological follow-up if there is a family history of schizophrenia.
- Early attention to the child's psychological and behavioral development.
How does schizophrenia in children affect academic performance?
Schizophrenia in children has a significant impact on academic performance, causing:
- Difficulty concentrating and paying attention.
- Rapid mental distraction due to hallucinations and disturbing thoughts.
- Difficulty understanding abstract or complex concepts.
- Disorganized thinking leads to misinterpretation of information.
- WithdrawalWithdrawal from peers and teachers.
- Difficulties understanding instructions and interacting in class.
Steps to Improve Student Academic Performance
The academic performance of a student with schizophrenia can be improved through:
- An Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- Adequate recess time during study.
- Special educational support at school.
- Boosting self-confidence through success in small tasks.
The Family's Role in Supporting a Child with Schizophrenia
The family plays the largest and most important role in achieving psychological stability for the child and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment through:
- Patience and understanding when dealing with symptoms.
- Adherence to the treatment schedule and psychological follow-up.
- Encouraging the child to express their feelings.
- Providing a stable and safe home environment.
- Participating in family therapy sessions.
- Continuous communication with the school to monitor academic progress.
Article Summary
Schizophrenia in children is a rare and serious mental disorder that significantly affects a child's thinking, behavior, and social interaction, as well as their academic performance. Its causes vary, including genetic and environmental factors, and its symptoms manifest through hallucinations, delusions, and difficulty communicating.
Diagnosis relies on a thorough psychological assessment, and treatment includes medication, psychotherapy, family support, and educational support. Although it impacts academic achievement, appropriate support from the school and family can help the child significantly improve their condition. Awareness and early intervention are the cornerstones of managing this disorder and improving a child's life.