Psychosis in Children: What is our present state of knowledge

Abstract

Psychotic disorders are severe devastating illnesses that can seriously compromise the quality of life of many patients. Special considerations are needed for special patient populations such as, children and adolescents, as the developmental stage may greatly influence the clinical presentation and outcome. The vast bulk of research on psychosis has excluded children with psychotic disorders. The existence of childhood psychoses was discussed and denied for many years especially due to distinct definitions and different classifications that kept changing over time. Today, childhood psychosis is a well known entity (Tengan & Maia, 2004).