ABSTRACT
The recent release of the International Declaration on Youth Mental Health (Coughlan et al., 2013) is reflective of the increasing interest and focus on neuropsychiatric disorders in adolescents, especially those related to risk and first episode of psychosis. Neuropsychiatric disorders are the greatest contributors to the global burden of disease in adolescents and young adults worldwide (Gore et al., 2011). Over the past 15 years there has been a further focus on the importance of early recognition of, and intervention for, psychosis in children and adolescents. Psychosis is defined by a set of symptoms reflecting changes in thoughts and behavior, resulting in the loss of reality testing. Psychosis is characterized by specific changes in thought processes, the presence of hallucinations, delusional thoughts, and disorganized speech or behavior, leading to deterioration in social and/or cognitive functioning. Hallucinations alone may be found with a prevalence of up to five percent in children and early adolescents (Kelleher & Cannon, 2011) and delusions are not uncommon. A majority of children and adolescents reporting these symptoms do not have the accompanying changes in thought processes and behaviors that are more consistent with psychotic-like states. Considering these symptoms in the context of current developmental stages is critical in making an appropriate diagnosis. Furthermore, children with posttraumatic stress disorder, conduct disorders, developmental disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders may have symptoms suggesting features of a psychotic process (Kuniyoshi & McClellan, 2015). Considering the degree of deterioration in functionality and organization in the presence of these symptoms is key to making an appropriate diagnosis of psychosis in these situations.
