Schizophrenia in early adolescence. A study illustrated by long-term cases

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to schizophrenias starting in early adolescence, before age 15. Diagnosis may be difficult because such early manifestations may differ from the classical schizophrenias and from the traditional subgroups. The authors caution against a too liberal interpretation of normal problems in adolescence. In comment on the literature, particular weight is placed on descriptions of schizophrenias in adolescence. Some typical early manifestations of schizophrenia are described including, among other traits, depressive states and sociopathic behaviour. Key symptoms such as thought disturbances or flattening of affect may be lacking. Five long-term cases were chosen. None was classified in childhood as infantile borderline. A diagnosis of schizophrenia was made in adolescence. In the cases where Schneider's criteria are not fulfilled, other hard evidence of schizophrenia is given. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis.