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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffCoping with an illness as serious as childhood schizophrenia can be challenging. Medications can have unwanted side effects, and you, your child and your whole family may feel angry or resentful about having to manage a condition that requires lifelong treatment. Here are some ways to cope with childhood schizophrenia:
- Learn about childhood schizophrenia. Education about the condition can empower you and your child and motivate him or her to stick to the treatment plan.
- Join a support group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help you reach out to other families facing similar challenges. You may want to seek out separate groups for you and for your child so that you each have a safe outlet.
- Get professional help. If you as a parent or guardian feel overwhelmed and distressed by your child's condition, consider seeking professional help from a mental health provider.
- Stay focused on goals. Recovery from childhood schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Stay motivated as a family by keeping recovery goals in mind. As a family, you're responsible for managing the illness and working toward goals.
- Find healthy outlets. Explore healthy ways your whole family can channel energy or frustration, such as hobbies, exercise and recreational activities.
- Learn relaxation and stress management. Try such stress-reduction techniques as meditation, yoga or tai-chi. Even children need stress management skills.
- Structure your time. Plan your day and activities. Try to stay organized. You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks.
- Take time as individuals. Although managing childhood schizophrenia is a family affair, both children and parents need their own time to cope and unwind. Create opportunities for healthy alone time.
References
- Masi G. Children with schizophrenia: Clinical picture and pharmacological treatment. CNS Drugs. 2006;20: 841.
- Minzenberg MJ, et al. Schizophrenia. In: Hales RE, et al, eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/complete-publication.shtml Accessed Oct. 27, 2008.
- Jibson MD, et al. Schizophrenia and related disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 1, 2008.
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
- Dyer JG, et al. Update on early intervention in schizophrenia. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing. 2008;46:19.
- Turkington D, et al. Cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006;163:365.
- Treating schizophrenia. A quick reference guide. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
- Schultz SH, et al. Schizophrenia: A review. American Family Physician. 2007;75:1821.
- Kennedy E, et al. Antipsychotic medication for childhood-onset schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin. 2007;33:1082.
- Ross R. New findings on antipsychotic use in children and adolescents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;165: 1369.
- Frazier JA, et al. Treatment of early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (TEOSS): Demographic and clinical characteristics. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2007;46:979.
- Wall C. (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Dec. 12, 2008.
- Treatment of patients with schizophrenia, Second Edition. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
