Therapies for childhood onset and early onset schizophrenia

What is childhood and early-onset schizophrenia?

Childhood-onset schizophrenia is defined as schizophrenia with onset prior to the age of 13 years, and early-onset schizophrenia describes schizophrenia between the ages of 13 and 17 years.

What is the evidence for psychosocial treatments for childhood and early-onset schizophrenia?

Moderate quality evidence finds supportive therapy is better than cognitive behavioural therapy for improving symptoms, however cognitive behavioural therapy is better than supportive therapy for improving insight in children with early-onset schizophrenia. Education about the illness may be beneficial for improving symptoms and functioning.

Moderate to low quality evidence finds cognitive remediation can improve verbal memory, executive cognitive functioning (e.g. problem solving), daily living, and general functioning.

September 2020

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Last updated at: 4:19 am, 30th August 2021
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