Families may be confused and hurt by their child's behavior.
How long does it last?
Treatment is different for each child.
It will take a different amount of time to see results.
In many cases, symptoms go away with treatment (remission).
In other cases, symptoms may improve but not go away.
Can it be prevented?
Some types of psychosis can be prevented.
Avoiding alcohol and drugs can help reduce symptoms of psychosis.
Other types of psychosis can't be prevented.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your child shows the behaviors described above.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition
or treatment.
Quick Answers
Psychosis is a mental state in which a person has lost contact with reality.
Some examples are bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
It can be caused by drugs or the brain not functioning right.
A family history of psychosis places the child at higher risk.
Warning signs include strange behavior and depression.
Symptoms include loss of touch with reality and seeing and hearing things
that are not there (hallucinations).
The child should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
Medications can often help change the child's behavior and mental state.
Psychotic episodes may scare the child and she may isolate herself.
Treatment is different for each child. It will take different amounts of
time to see results.
Some types of psychosis can be prevented and some can't.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's behavior.
References
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Knowing When to Seek Treatment
for Your Child. 1996-2001 (cited 2002 January 30). URL: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/condition_section_index.jsp?id=-9357
Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC). Early Diagnosis
and Management of Psychosis. 1997 (cited 2002 January 30). URL: http://www.eppic.org.au/intervene.html
MEDLINEplus. Psychosis. 2001 June 02 (cited 2002 January 30). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001553.htm
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