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Early onset schizophrenia: diagnostic dilemmas and treatment challenges

Jennifer Cheng Shannon and Jon McClellan

Early onset schizophrenia (EOS), which is defined as onset prior to 18 years of age, is associated with significant morbidity, chronicity and psychosocial impairment. EOS appears to be both clinically and neurobiologically continuous with the adult-onset form, although there are some important differences. Although the treatment literature specifically addressing juveniles with schizophrenia is sparse, the adult literature appears to apply, given appropriate developmental considerations. Given the significant morbidity, chronicity and psychosocial impairment associated with EOS, it is imperative that clinicians are familiar with the phenomenology, diagnosis, clinical course and treatment of this disorder. This article provides a brief description of EOS with a focus on treatment modalities, including a detailed review of psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions.