[Schizophrenia in childhood]

Very early onset schizophrenia is a form which begins before the age of 12. The criteria used are the same as in adults although there are specific features for children. This is a particularly difficult psychopathological disorder to diagnose and has considerable comorbidity. The differential diagnosis, particularly from invasive developmental disorders, is also difficult. There appears to be a true continuum between the very early form and the adult form although very early onset schizophrenia is a severe form of the disorder which carries a relatively poor prognosis. Its outcome depends both on early screening, the quality of diagnosis and on the speed of multidisciplinary interventions offered.