Childhood Schizophrenia Personal Story
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- Hi! everyone! I'm Stephen, and in this video I describe the onset of my schizophrenia until I was hospitalized at the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital when I was 12 years old. I was psychotic and was discharged after 14 days with a diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder.
“Unraveling the Mystery: A Deep Dive into Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia”
Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a rare and debilitating mental disorder that affects children before the age of 13. COS can have a profound and long-lasting impact on the lives of those affected and their families. In this post, we will delve into the latest research on COS, exploring its potential causes, diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and the future of research in this area.
The Elusive Nature of Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia
COS is an uncommon subtype of schizophrenia, accounting for approximately 1% of all cases. It is characterized by the early onset of symptoms, typically before the age of 13, and is diagnosed using the same criteria as adult schizophrenia. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and other cognitive and emotional impairments.
COS is associated with a more severe clinical course and poorer outcomes compared to adult-onset schizophrenia. This is likely due to the crucial developmental period during which the disorder emerges, impacting cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Investigating the Causes: Genetic and Environmental Factors
Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of COS. Twin and family studies have shown a higher concordance rate for schizophrenia in monozygotic twins and increased risk among first-degree relatives.
Recent advances in genetic research, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have identified several risk genes and loci associated with schizophrenia, some of which may also be implicated in COS. Additionally, research on copy number variations (CNVs) has found an increased prevalence of rare, large CNVs in COS patients, suggesting that these genetic factors may contribute to the early onset of the disorder.
Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to infections, maternal stress, and obstetric complications, have also been implicated in the development of COS. More research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of this rare disorder.
Diagnostic Challenges
Diagnosing COS can be particularly challenging due to its rarity and the overlap of symptoms with other childhood psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorder. Clinicians must carefully rule out other possible causes and consider the developmental context of the child's symptoms before reaching a diagnosis.
The use of standardized diagnostic tools, such as the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS), can be helpful in assessing symptoms and reaching an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, early identification and intervention are crucial in improving the long-term prognosis for children with COS.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for COS typically involves a combination of antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions. Antipsychotic medications can help reduce the severity of hallucinations and delusions, but their use in children must be carefully monitored due to potential side effects and long-term impacts on development.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be useful in addressing negative symptoms and improving social and emotional functioning. Family therapy and educational interventions may also be beneficial in supporting the child and their family.
The Future of Research on Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia
Although progress has been made in understanding the etiology and treatment of COS, there remains much to learn about this rare and complex disorder. Ongoing research aims to identify more specific genetic and environmental risk factors, improve early detection, and develop targeted interventions to improve outcomes for children with COS and their families.
Conclusion
Childhood-onset schizophrenia is a rare and debilitating disorder that has a significant impact on the lives of those affected and their families. Despite its low prevalence, it is crucial that we continue to expand our knowledge and understanding of this complex condition. Advances in genetic and environmental research have begun to shed light on the potential causes of COS, while ongoing efforts aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and develop more effective, targeted treatments. By investing in research and raising awareness about this often misunderstood disorder, we can work towards better outcomes for children with COS, supporting them and their families in navigating the challenges they face and fostering a brighter future.
It takes an enormous amount of courage to tell a story like yours! I know your purpose is to help others dealing with schizophrenia not to feel so alone. Through sharing your extremely personal experience, may everyone touched by this illness, including family members and friends become more informed and compassionate. Congratulations!
What rings as unfair are the mythic tales of individuals being integral in the wars of good & evil, but the only poeople who take it literally are mentally ill, you know?
I started to have symptoms when I was in my second year of high school..15-16 years old. My adopted parents didn't ever understand me, and they were old fashioned, didn't understand mental illness...I just had more problems at home until I moved out at age 20. I had to drop out of college because my grades were getting worse and my parents wouldn't pay for college anymore..I got a diagnosis while I was in college, but when I was forced to drop out, I had no medical insurance to follow-up up my diagnosis of schizophrenia..it took until I was 36 years old and homeless, couldn't work anymore, that social workers put me in a great homeless shelter where I lived forc2 years..then put me on disability, welfare, an apartment...your so lucky that you had such caring parents to support you215th years later, my dad passed away, my mother and sister are just afraid of me, they don't help me..thank you so much for contributions of helping to stop the stigma..of severe mental illness, especially schizophrenia...I really appreciate you..thankyou.
Thank you Jeanne for sharing your story and for encouraging me to continue fighting to help end the stigma! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
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I just recently reconnected with my 15 year old daughter who I placed for adoption at birth. Her adoptive mother told me she was schizophrenic and depressed. Do you have any advise on how I could help her.(my daughter)
Very brave of you to share like this about your personal experiences Stephen. Hope things keep getting better for you! You really are helping people going through psychosis related illness by sharing your story and reducing stigma!!
Thank you for your support!
My son seemed to hate me too during his psychotic episodes. We were always close. Thank God, Steven, you are doing better. Keep on with your good work and trust the Lord to walk with you through this. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks from heart for making this video. ❤️ You are helping parents and families.
Stephen thank you for putting yourself out there not an easy thing to do but your I’m grateful. I have a son who suffers from Schizoaffective disorder. His psychosis started when he went to college. He too stared with headaches that evolved to migraines all day everyday then he started experiencing all kinds of mental issues that led to multiple suicidal attempts and hospitalizations. He’s on clozapine now and it seems to be helping. I think one of hardest but most important things is acceptance and trusting your loved ones and support team.
Thank you very much for sharing about your son. I appreciate it.
Thank You for sharing such a personal story. You are so brave and you are not alone.
Thank you so much!
Proud of you man your a survivor
brave of you to put out these videos bro, commendable
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words!
I forgot to add, a BIG HUMGOUS THANK YOU FOR SHARING ‼️😭
Thank you very much!
Its inspiring to hear this.. a great message to anyone whos experianced any mental health issues. Stay strong
I am so sory this happened to you but what I am hearing is your life is much better now so glad to hear this
This has helped me to understand more about my son illness.
Thank you!
Glad you are doing well now.❤
Thank you for sharing this story. You will help a lot of people just by relating your experience!
Stephen, your story is heart-breaking but fascinating and extremely enlightening. You are a remarkable young man. Keep making these videos. I believe that they are both therapeutic for you and informative for your growing audience. The mystery and fear surrounding this illness merit more exposure, but to me, the most extraordinary thing about these revelations is the courage you have shown in the face of a cross that few people (comparatively) have to bear. It will mold your character---as it is clearly already doing---and one day, please God, you will understand the reasons behind this incredible trial. Keep the faith and persevere in the struggle which, though infinitely worth it, cannot be easy. You already show a depth of character and compassion rarely encountered in the world today. Turning a cross into a virtue for the understanding and growth of others is a tremendous thing. In a world awash in selfishness egoism, your story is ennobling, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit and the infinite kindness of God. Be assured of my constant prayers for you and your remarkable family.
Hi Stephen, I hope you get better, thanks for sharing your experiences. You’re awesome!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this has really helped me understand more from someone who’s experienced schizophrenia, my little brother is going through similar symptoms and our entire family is convinced he may have schizophrenia but it’s a heavy label and he doesn’t want to receive help.
Started with head aches and strange behaviour. He wasn’t sleeping for long periods and then times where he’d sleep in through an entire day. Mood swings and now he’s saying he’s hearing voices and seeing things. We aren’t and have never been religious but he’s all of a sudden believing he has divine powers and we’re all worried about him. He has an appointment at the mental health facility next week we’re hoping he will go.
Hope your managing well though, appreciate the bravery to share your story with us.
Wow, I'm sure it took a LOT to share your story. Amazing, thank you for your bravery. God bless you.
Very brave young man. Bless you.
Thank you Stephen ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your story
Thank you Cynthia!
Thank you for telling your story
Thank you for doing these videos, I recognise your symptoms ... there is mental illness running right through my family and I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder some years ago. My father had bipolar and my mother had a personality disorder.
My most frightening delusion was that I felt that a nuclear bomb was going to drop on us any minute.
Thank you for sharing Crystal. That must have been very scary
You are inspiring and very brave. From Quebec/canada hello to you stay safe. I subscribed
The first issue you mentioned was not being able to step foot in a church, and then believed you were in battle between good and evil... I'm also Catholic and the first thing I'd do is go to my priest/ bring my child. I'm wondering if your parents did this and how it went if they did. Hope you've been able to return to church❤God bless you guys!
Sounds like demon possession
@bcharlieee please let him believe wtf he wants, that boy is just telling us his story, !!
@@lolitak9793 it was just a question lady
Hello, thank you for sharing your story. You are going to help so many. I just had a question, did you experience any symptoms as a younger child? Wishing you the best.
Thank you very much Lindsay! I did not experience any symptoms as a younger child.
How common or uncommon is such early onset? I’ve always read the symptoms begin in the teens or early adulthood.
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No kid would hate his mom for no reason...
It seems to be quite normal for boys to turn on their mums in their early teens. I have heard of it a lot, it doesn’t suggest anything about the mum.
My brothers 30 and he’s getting these symptoms except he thinks that he’s on a important mission on earth or something like that but he doesn’t want to see a doctor or anything is there a way to convince him
Thank you for sharing. He has to get medical help to recover from psychosis.
My niece's symptoms didn't start until she was 30 also. She was hospitalized twice and is now stabilized with medication and under a psychiatrist care.
ì dont mean to be dismissive or anything, but while you were on the camping trip - could you have possibly sustained a head injury that you dont remember? that would explain the headaches
I don’t think I did receive a head injury. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Is it comon that schizophrenic people have headaches?
I am not sure if it is common or not.
I cannot avoid the sense of suspicion here. The father is too perfect. The son is too perfect. Thee is something else going on here.
ok, but what do you reckon they would gain by sharing such a sensitive situation🤔
What is “perfect” about this extremely sad story? You are sounding paranoid.
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Thank you 💞 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 What is normal🙄 I have to ask myself. I do believe that JESUS is our SAVIOR 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 You are the LORDS child😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Could be demon possessed
Stephen… you are an ‘Amazing’ young man…..God Bless you bro.