Is is posible for an 11 yr old to have Schizophrenia?

Question

My friends mother was schizophrentic, she seems to have some symptoms,

Answer 1

well it is probably good not to diagnose peopple below 13 w/ schizophrenia, but the dsm4 does speak of child on-set schizophrenia, or it could be called early on-set, but none the less, even though it is rare, the guy who said he has seen schizophrenia in children as young as 7, well, that is true, and this certainly isn't unheard of by any means. schizophrenia is not a disease that hits old people as one person suggested, unless 16-20-something is considered old.

Answer 2

Since schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance and not something that is created by environment, it can show up at any age. The DSM does not allow diagnosing someone with schizophrenia until age 13 or 16 (I can't remember) but they can be diagnosed with schizophrenic traits, meaning that they are pretty sure the kid has it and will watch for it throughout the years to make a correct diagnosis. You can do some research on it, but the only way to tell for sure is for your friend to go see a psychiatrist.

Answer 3

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being diagnosed that young, though there is what's called early-onset schizophrenia. I think they don't diagnose that until at least 13, but I could be wrong. Typicially schizophrenia sets in during early adulthood (18-30), but has been more recently showing up in younger children. It is more dificult to diagnose at a young age. There is also what is called schizo-affective disorder which shows schizophrenic like symptoms, but is not full blown schizophrena. Only a doctor can make that call though.

Answer 4

Yes it is very possible to have this at 11 years old and she may have the added pressure of learning the behaviors as a coping skill..

Answer 5

It's certainly conceivable.

Sometimes the term "early onset" is used when someone seems to have a mental illness at a much younger age than one would expect.

Another site that may be worth visiting is

http://www.nami.org/

Answer 6

yes it's possible, most studies say that it can be seen in children as young as five. it's uncommon though, compared to the rates in adults. Have a read of some of these sites, can give you an idea of the broad range of behavious that may indicate schizophrenia in chilldren.

http://www.rethink.org/about_mental_illness/who_does_it_affect/children_and_mental_illness/schizophrenia_in.html


http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/schizophrenia-1?utm_medium=google&utm_source=schizophrenia&utm_campaign=article&utm_term=schizophrenia%20in%20children

http://www.aacap.org/page.ww?name=Schizophrenia+In+Children§ion=Facts+for+Families

Answer 7

Yes, I work in community services and I have come across very young people with all sorts of conditions which people wouldn't think associated with children.

I have heard of kids as young as 7 with schitzophrenia or other form of mental illness.

Answer 8

yup But also keep in mind that Anyone exposed to the condition for long periods of time can emulate symptoms subconciosly especialy children thinking that this behavior is normal

Answer 9

Yes it is, this is a chemical inbalance in the brain and there are medicines for it to help control the symptoms.

Answer 10

Well, I'm sure there can be early symptoms at that age