A brief Introduction to Schizoaffective Disorder in Children

(569 Words)
Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental disorder. It is comprised of two different facets – schizophrenia and a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder or depression. According to WebMD, it does not occur often nf children, but is more likely to emerge as a child grows older. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments involved with schizoaffective disorder in children.
Causes
Researchers do not know the precise cause of schizoaffective disorder in children, however different factors may be at play. Genetics are suspected to play a part. A chemical imbalance in the brain is also thought to influence the development of this condition. Various issues in the environment like stressors, viruses and social situations can also be risk factors.
Symptoms
There are many different symptoms that occur in children with schizoaffective disorder. These may occur in cycles and can vary in severity, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health.
The schizophrenic signs that can be present include delusions, hallucinations, lack of motivation, speech problems, dimished emotions, thinking that is disorganized, and behavior that is unusual. The child’s parents or teachers may notice these.
If depression is part of the child’s condition, then he or she may feel and act sad and may feel guilty or worthless. Difficulty concentrating and sleeping can lead to poor performance at school. Depressed children may seem exhausted, sleep a lot and not be interested in activities that they once enjoyed. Their appetite may suffer, and weight changes can occur. In serious cases, they may even be suicidal.
Some children experience mania as part of their schizoaffective disorder. Symptoms include agitation, increased activity, quick speaking, less sleep, and reckless behavior.
Diagnosis
It can be more difficult to diagnose schizoaffective disorder in children rather than adults since children may not be able to vocalize their symptoms as easily as adults. A mental health care provider will do a complete mental health evaluation if schizoaffective disorder is suspected. He or she may interview the parents about behaviors of the child. He or she will then ask the child about his or her feelings and actions.
Treatment
There is no cure for schizoaffective disorder, and children who have it may be affected for life. However, there are various therapies that can be effective and allow some to live normal lives. First, it is important for any child with schizoaffective disorder to be involved in mental health counseling. Parents should seek the services of a psychologist who can help the child with issues regarding his or her emotions. A counselor can help the child develop strategies to counter his or her problems.
Medication may also be used to treat a child with schizoaffective disorder. Mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic medications can be useful, but you must be careful. Many of the medications that are indicated for adults have not been tested in children. Also, some of the medications for depression and other mental health conditions have been shown to raise the risk of suicide in younger people, thus it is very important to be very careful when such substances are utilized. A psychiatrist can help prescribe the best course of treatment for your child.
If you believe that your child is showing any of the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder it is important to get an immediate evaluation. The earlier you catch the condition, the better chance that treatment will be effective.