Foster Care Training

Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders impact children, youth, and families in the youth services, child welfare and juvenile justice. A brief history of schizophrenia is provided including how it became a black mental illness during the social protests and unrest of the 1960’s and 1970’s. This schizophrenia spectrum is reviewed including schizophreniform disorder and brief psychotic disorders. Prominent symptoms seen in children and youth are discussed including the onset of schizophrenia. Other psychotic disorders are also reviewed including schizoaffective, delusional disorder, substance induced psychotic disorders, disorders with psychotic features, and the proposed attenuated psychosis syndrome. Treatment approaches for psychotic disorders are provided with discussion of the use of psychotropic medications. Mental status exams, case studies to practice diagnosis, and mental health resources are also reviewed.