Childhood schizophrenia: diagnostic and treatment challenges

This paper describes the developmental challenges involved in confirming the diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia in children, the disorders that should be included in the differential diagnosis of this disorder, and how to differentiate their symptoms from those of schizophrenia. It then reviews the psychopharmacological treatment of early-onset schizophrenia focusing mainly on the short-term and long-term adverse effects of first- and second-generation neuroleptics. The diagnostic challenges, together with the adverse effects of neuroleptics, emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and medical monitoring of children with schizophrenia.