Early Onset Schizophrenia

Abstract

Very early onset schizophrenia begins before the age of 13. This form of schizophrenia is particularly difficult to diagnose. The differential diagnosis is difficult because some psychotic signs can be passing or be representative of an anxious or depressive disorder. The differential diagnosis with the autistic spectrum disorder is also complex. Finally, other disorders are associated in the majority of the cases. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder with premature cerebral anomalies engendered by the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors. There seems be a real continuity between the very early form and the adult form although very early onset schizophrenia is a severe form of the disorder which carries a relatively poor prognosis. Its outcome depends both on early screening, the quality of diagnosis and on the speed of multidisciplinary interventions offered.