Di Luzio M, Pontillo M, Villa M, Attardi AG, Bellantoni D, Di Vincenzo C, Vicari S. Clinical features and comorbidity in very early-onset schizophrenia: a systematic review.
Front Psychiatry 2023;
14:1270799. [PMID:
38152354 PMCID:
PMC10752227 DOI:
10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1270799]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Very early-onset schizophrenia (VEOS) is a form of schizophrenia that manifests before the age of 13 years and is characterized by the presence of positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms. The condition is exceptionally rare and, to date, limited studies have been conducted, resulting in incomplete information about its clinical features.
Methods
The present study involves a systematic review of the existing literature regarding the clinical features and comorbidities of VEOS.
Results
The first search retrieved 384 studies. Of these, 366 were removed following the application of exclusion criteria, resulting in 18 studies for the final set.
Conclusion
The results highlight that VEOS shares similarities with early-onset and adult-onset schizophrenia but also exhibits distinct and recognizable characteristics, including a more severe clinical profile (particularly in females), increased visual hallucinations, and high comorbidities with neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings may support clinicians in formulating early diagnoses and developing effective treatment strategies for pediatric and adolescent patients with psychosis.
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