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Violence in childhood-onset schizophrenia
Randal G Ross1, Julia Maximon1, Jonathan Kusumi2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO, USA.
Mental Illness
|December 6, 2014
Summary
Violence is common in children with schizophrenic-spectrum illnesses, with over 70% exhibiting violent behavior. Early identification and treatment of childhood psychotic illnesses are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia and related disorders are associated with increased violence in adults and adolescents.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and characteristics of violence in younger children diagnosed with schizophrenic-spectrum illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rates and patterns of violent behavior in children aged 4-15 years with childhood-onset schizophrenic-spectrum illnesses.
- To characterize internally driven violence in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of structured diagnostic interviews from a case series.
- Inclusion criteria: 81 children (ages 4-15) diagnosed with childhood-onset schizophrenic-spectrum illness.
Main Results:
- 72% of children had a history of violent behavior.
- 31% (25 children) exhibited severe violence.
- 60% of those with violence history experienced internally driven episodes (not stimulus-response).
- Age and gender did not significantly impact violence rates.
Conclusions:
- Violence is prevalent in children with schizophrenic-spectrum illnesses, mirroring adult findings.
- Internally driven violence, though rare and unpredictable, can be severe.
- Integrated violence prevention and early treatment of childhood psychotic disorders are recommended to reduce associated morbidity.
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