Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness and its onset during childhood and adolescence is usually indicative of a more perilous and insidious course with a poorer prognosis. Childhood and adolescence typically include developmental challenges that are already quite complicated. Schizophrenic symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and changes in behavior only further complicate adolescent development. Though rare, childhood-onset schizophrenia does occur, and an accurate and timely diagnosis is therefore necessary for appropriate treatment.
After reading the article “Adolescent Schizophrenia Fact Sheet” written by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.
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1
According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, which of the following is NOT considered a prodromal symptom?
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D.
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2
The articles notes that males with schizophrenia have a ________in gray matter.
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D.
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3
The prevalence of schizophrenia is:
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D.
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4
According to the article, which of the following is a myth regarding schizophrenia?
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B.
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D.
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5
What are some considerations educators should have for adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia?
Answers will vary. One possibility: These students may have increased difficulty paying attention and planning out work so they should be provided with reminders and prompts to stay on task. In addition, adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia would benefit from a small, calm, and structured classroom.
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