Psychosis in a pediatric mood and anxiety disorders clinic: Phenomenology and correlates

Author(s): Birmaher, B., Axelson, D., Williamson, D. E., Brent, D. A., Ryan, N. D., Bridge, J., Baugher, M.

Journal/Book: J Amer Acad Child Adolesc Psy. 2000; 39: 530 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 337-345.

Abstract: Objective: To examine the demographics and phenomenology of psychosis in a sample of children and adolescents referred to a mood and anxiety disorders clinic. Method: Patients (N = 2,031) were assessed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present Episode version and classified as definite, probable, or nonpsychotic. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the groups were compared, and symptoms of psychosis were analyzed using factor analysis. Results: Definite psychotic symptoms were seen in approximately 90 (4.5%) patients: 80% of these reported hallucinations (mainly auditory), 22% delusions, and 3.3% thought disorder. Of the patients with definite psychotic symptoms, 24% had bipolar disorder, 41% had major depression, 21% had subsyndromal depression, and 14% had schizophrenia spectrum disorders (schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders). Factor analysis of the definite psychotic symptoms yielded 4 factors: hallucinations, thought disorder, delusions, and manic thought disorder. Psychotic patients had a higher frequency of comorbid disorders and suicidal ideation than nonpsychotic patients. Conclusions: Outpatient youngsters with mood disorders frequently present with psychotic symptoms, in particular auditory hallucinations. These patients commonly have comorbid psychiatric disorders and suicidal ideation.

Note: Article Birmaher B, Univ Pittsburgh, Western Psychiat Inst & Clin, Med Ctr, Dept Child Psychiat, Div Child Psychiat, 3811 Ohara St, Pittsburgh,PA 15213 USA

Keyword(s): psychosis; children; adolescents; mood disorders; hallucinations; delusions; MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER; PAST 10 YEARS; PANIC DISORDER; NONPSYCHOTIC CHILDREN; EMOTIONAL DISORDERS; THOUGHT-DISORDER; CHILDHOOD; HALLUCINATIONS; ADOLESCENTS; SCHIZOPHRENIA

Zurück | Weiter