For example, schizophrenia typically appears around the 20s, but is rare in childhood. Why is it so rare to see in childhood?
In: Biology
Schizophrenia and bipolar are both diseases of the brain, due to chemical male up. They are influenced by genetics (if family members have either disease), environment (trauma/stress), and substances (high THC or mushroom trip that trigger first episode).
Children cannot be diagnosed due to guiding bodies – ICD internationally and in US, the DSM. This is due to the fact that 1) children may have perceptual disturbances ( hallucinations) that are normal- imaginary friends, reactions to trauma, maladaptive coping skills. 2) there was a time that bipolar could be diagnosed with kids, and it was grossly inappropriately diagnosed. Usually due to parent struggling to enforce boundaries, etc, not coping with mood swings or teenage years- and then the child being inappropriately medicated/sedated on drugs that have serious side effects
Of note- the medications for both bipolar and schizophrenia are severely lacking. They are not all that effective and have serious side effects, even for adults.
There are a variety of differential diagnoses to consider- schizophrenia, schizophreniform, schizotypal, schizoaffective disorder depression type, schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, bipolar II, bipolar I. All of these need to be teased out with time, and part of criteria is the brain is more fully developed.
There is also a prodromal phase to psychotic disorders- usually a year or so of odd behavior before something mentioned above triggers a first episode.
These are considered major mental illness with serious impairment of daily functioning.
I have more but lmk if any questions. I am very passionate about these diagnoses and the people that have them- usually incredibly resilient and lovely people.
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