[22q11.2 deletion and schizophrenia in childhood and adolescence]

22q11.2 deletion is the most common microdeletion in humans and one of the most important risk factors for schizophrenia. Nevertheless, case reports of children or adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion and schizophrenia are very rare. After a review of the current knowledge about physical, developmental, behavioural and psychiatric problems in 22q11.2 deletion, the case of a 12;10-year-old boy with schizophrenia and the microdeletion is reported. About three years after the first symptoms, and only after medication with several neuroleptics, the patient reached his pre-morbid functioning level under treatment with risperidone. Under medication with clozapine he had experienced a single event of seizures which were due to hypocalcemia. This case report illustrates the importance of serum calcium controls at regular intervals for patients with 22q11.2 deletion and schizophrenia who are on neuroleptic medication. Ideally, children and adolescents with the deletion and co-morbid psychiatric problems should be treated in child and adolescent psychiatry units specialized in problems associated with the deletion. A good cooperation with other medical services is absolutely necessary.