Schizofrenia ad esordio precoce: psicopatologia e clinica Early-onset schizophrenia: psychopathology and clinical features

Introduction The diagnosis of schizophrenic disorder in children and adolescents is often complex and challenging. The symptomatic overlap between schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders has produced high rates of misdiagnosis. The clinical expression and progression of early onset schizophrenia is affected by maturation processes. Thus, schizophrenia in the paediatric population may vary from adult-onset form presentation because of developmental factors. Schizophrenia diagnosis can be complicated by difficulties distinguishing between immature response, typical in younger children, and pathological symptoms such as thought disorders, negative symptoms and delusions. Differential diagnosis is complicated by the presence of disorders that share common symptoms and are frequently associated with schizophrenia. Correct assessment procedures and early identification of the disorder may allow prompt and adequate treatment for reducing the natural progressive impairment seen in these patients.