My brother is currently in a custody battle for his children and we just heard by word of mouth that his son was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and is under a psychiartrist. Long story short due to his ADHD he has always been agressive but with the recent diagnosis it has turned into excessive agression on his immediate family mum, sister and step dad and social services has been brought in which could result in my brother gaining custody of him. My question is can a 6 year old be diagnosed with schizophrenia?? I'm not certain of the answer and my brother would need specific and definite answers before taking this to his lawyer. I wasn't sure if this right or if it's an extension of his ADHD.
2007-03-15 06:51:19 · 8 answers · asked by Lucie 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have not heard of ADHD being tied to schizophrenia. How was he diagnosed???? Neuropsychological exams are almost impossible on anyone 5 or under (6 is a starting age). A good neuropsych exam will consist of a full day (8 hours with lunch & 2 breaks worked in); in children younger than 9 it is almost performed in 2 - 1/2 day sessions due to attention and cooperation. If there is a custody battle, it may be agression due to confusion/depression, etc stemming from the divorce, etc (i.e., has he had to move? dad is no longer a presence) I would even say ADHD at that age is tough to truly diagnose. I think I would have this questioned (esp. if no 8 hours of testing has been completed by a Ph.D (trained in NeuroPsychology) Good luck.
2007-03-15 06:57:24 · answer #1 · answered by Mickey 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, a 6 year old can be diagnosed with schizophrenia. I think it is a ridiculous diagnosis, but all it takes is one doctor to say it is, and that is what it can be labeled as. It is very rare in children under 12 and usually appears and/or gets diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 24.
I don't feel like this situation warrants the child being diagnosed with schiz. From what I know, he is not discussing bizzare ideas, expressing thoughts of paranoia, giving detailed but strange information, or working his way toward being shy/withdrawn. It is likely that he would have auditory hallucinations as well, if he had schizo.
I would definitely suggest taking the child to a or his pediatrist and/or another doctor. I would have to question a doctor or definitely see some positively schizo behavior from a child before I could accept this diagnosis.
2007-03-15 07:01:29 · answer #2 · answered by razor_cuts_4_me 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO. There is a reference book on diagnosing mental disorders. Find a copy at your library (DSM-IV). You'll see that a diagnosis of schizophrenia should NOT be made on someone this young. They can't distinguish fantasy & reality, for one thing
2007-03-15 06:54:20 · answer #3 · answered by Bombadil 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is possible, although uncommon. Technically, for a professional to know for sure, the child would simply need to have the ability to communicate with him/her.
6 years old is old enough to communicate.
2007-03-15 06:54:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, unfortunately. I believe these kids are born with their chemically imbalanced brains and as they get older, the imbalace shows itself more and more.
I'm very sorry for you.
2007-03-15 06:54:47 · answer #5 · answered by Starla_C 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm sorry, but it can be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
2007-03-15 06:54:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No.
Well.... that's not true. Psychiatrists make up all sorts of nonsense everyday.
But I am sorry to say that that child's life is going to be COMPLETELY DESTROYED by psychiatrists.
http://www.cchr.org/index.cfm/8771
http://breggin.com
http://antipsychiatry.org
http://sntp.net
2007-03-15 06:55:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
webmd.com
2007-03-15 06:54:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋