Psychosis during adolescence. A review

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period marked by a significant increase in emotional illness indicators.
• Rising rates of psychiatric clinic utilization, hospitalizations, and suicide are observed in adolescents.
• Various forms of psychosis can manifest during this developmental stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse spectrum of psychoses occurring in adolescence.
• To provide an in-depth focus on the diagnosis and management of adolescent schizophrenia.
• To highlight schizophrenia as the most prevalent psychosis in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of adolescent psychoses.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria for adolescent-onset schizophrenia.
• Examination of current treatment modalities for adolescent schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• Psychotic disorders, including those secondary to substance use, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are not infrequent in adolescents.
• Adolescent schizophrenia presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent psychosis, especially schizophrenia, requires specialized attention.
• Effective diagnosis and treatment strategies are essential to improve outcomes for adolescents with schizophrenia.
• Further research into adolescent-specific psychosis interventions is warranted.