Although psychotic disorders in adolescents are rare – only present in about 0.4 percent of the population between the ages of 5 and 18, according to Dr. Aleah Gibson, a family medicine doctor at St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Aurora, Ind., office – they’re very serious. And the long-term outlook is much worse.
That’s why early intervention is key.
“Early referral to mental health specialists can help prevent the increased incidence of mortality that accompanies adolescents with mental health disorders,” Gibson said.
The incidence of schizophrenia, specifically, is rare in adolescents, but increases around 15 years of age, she said, and is more difficult to diagnose than psychosis, which always is a part of a schizophrenia diagnosis but can occur outside of schizophrenia. Many adolescents, in fact, first present with psychosis symptoms.
Defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a grossly impaired reality testing, psychosis can be present in several mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia, which is defined as a chronic brain disorder that can cause delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and a lack of motivation.
Gibson said that, among adolescents who present with psychotic features, symptoms range from hallucinations and delusions to symptoms of emotional apathy, lack of drive, decreased communication, social withdrawal and self-neglect.
It’s important to start treatment for psychotic disorders right away – ideally, within the first two weeks – which can include medications such as antipsychotics and always includes individual therapy and family interventions.
“Adolescents with these diagnoses will require support throughout their educational life and beyond into their careers,” Gibson said. “They will need assistance with choosing a career path that is suited for their disease.”
Goals of treatment are directed at decreasing premature mortality, as well as decreasing hospital admission rates and increasing quality of life for the patient.
