CDA PSYCHOLOGY UNIT RECOGNIZES WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Ψ CDA PSYCHOLOGY UNIT Ψ RECOGNIZES WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2014! THEME: Living with Schizophrenia Focus: Schizophrenia in children and teenagers

Definition • Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behaviour. » http: //www. mayoclinic. org/diseasesconditions/schizophrenia/basics/definition/con-20021077

Schizophrenia in children and teenagers • Rarely diagnosed in children--mostly diagnosed in late teens and young adulthood. • Children with schizophrenia often see or hear things that don’t really exist. • They harbour paranoid and bizarre beliefs. For example they may think that others are plotting against them.

Schizophrenia in children and teenagers • Other symptoms include: problems paying attention, impaired memory and reasoning, speech impairment, inappropriate or flat expression of emotion, poor social skills and a depressed mood. • Schizophrenia has a profound impact on a child's behavior and development • At times it is misdiagnosed as autism or bipolar disorder.

Treatment • Lifelong treatment, that may include the following: – Antipsychotic medications – Individual and family therapy – Social and academic skills training – Hospitalization

WHERE TO GET HELP Family doctor or a pediatrician Psychiatrist or mental health professional Child Guidance Clinics or Mental Health Clinics at your nearest health centre • CDA Psychologist, where applicable • • • Remember, there is no good health without good mental health!!!