Early-onset schizophrenia: A literature review of empirically based interventions

Children presenting with early-onset schizophrenia are now diagnosed utilizing the same criteria as adults with schizophrenia. A review of the literature indicates that there is a dearth of intervention studies specific to the treatment of children diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia, though this form of schizophrenia is considered to be more severe and chronic. Pharmacological studies specific to children are reviewed as are social skills training and family behavioral therapy studies conducted on the adult schizophrenia population which may hold potential for treating children diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia. Recommendations for practice and research are presented.