And since psychotic symptoms cause disruption across a teenager’s life, from school to friendships to family, researchers are hoping quick action can prevent impairment and prolong typical functioning. But early intervention has been shown to improve outcomes for those who do. Not all the kids who are identified with what experts call “prodromal” symptoms will progress, or “convert” to full-blown psychotic illness. Recently, however, experts in the field have been working to identify high-risk kids who show symptoms that could serve as early warning signs of psychosis, and several academic centers have been set up to focus on this crucial period when it may be possible to change the trajectory of mental illness. The illness most often associated with psychosis, schizophrenia, usually doesn’t show up until very late adolescence or early adulthood. This could mean hearing or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), or believing things that aren’t true (delusions). There are fewer more frightening or challenging psychiatric conditions for a family to face than psychosis, an extreme mental state in which impaired thinking and emotions cause a person to lose contact with reality. But getting your teen to a professional who can watch their symptoms may be the most important step a parent can take. It’s hard for doctors to know which teens will go on to develop serious psychotic illnesses - not all will. Then, they will send the teen to be examined by a psychiatrist. Their doctor will rule out drug use, which can also cause these symptoms. If you’re worried your teen might be having these symptoms, the first step is to take them to their regular doctor. These include reducing stress, making sure they have good sleep habits and getting treatment for other problems like anxiety. The good news is that in the early stages, psychosis in teens can be treated by making pretty simple changes in their habits. To a parent, the change in their teen would probably be very noticeable. They include things like not wanting to see friends, feeling like people want to hurt them, not showering, and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. Since psychotic symptoms cause problems in everything from school to friendships to family, acting fast can help teens a lot.Įarly signs of psychosis are called “prodromal” symptoms. If doctors can catch these early signs, they may be able to delay the full-blown illness and minimize its symptoms. It shows up in the late teen or early adult years.īut some teens show early warning signs of psychosis. Psychosis is often a symptom of an illness called schizophrenia. If a teen has psychosis, they might hear or see things that aren’t there. Psychosis is a condition in which a person loses touch with reality.
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