Can children develop schizophrenia?
A. Yes. In rare instances, children as young as five have been diagnosed with the illness. They are often described as being different from other children from an early age. Most people with schizophrenia, however, do not show recognizable symptoms until adolescence or young adulthood. Q. How can I tell if I have schizophrenia before it becomes serious? A. If you think you have symptoms of schizophrenia, you should talk to a doctor who has experience treating the illness. This is very important because early diagnosis and treatment means a better long-term prognosis.Q. If I have schizophrenia, should I have children? A. Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should not marry and have children. Since everyone wants to be a good parent and provider for their family, you will need to ask yourself some important questions: Is my illness sufficiently under control? If I have to work full-time in order to support my children, can I do it?
According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (MCS) it’s not common before adolescence, however even though some adults have developed schizophrenia; they may have seemed a little different when they were children. There are many resources to help us deal with the different levels of the schizophrenia. Support groups can be a valuable part for everyone involved, by helping patients deal with the mental and physical aspects of schizophrenia. For family and friends who are dealing with some of the physical and mental problems, various support groups help bring different people together to talk about each others issues in dealing with schizophrenia. Family members and friends may get involved by asking their doctor about support groups that exist in their local community. The local health department is a good place to start. A public library, telephone book and the internet also may be good sources to narrow down to support groups in the town where they live (Schizophrenia, 2004).
