Research Data
CHARACTERISTICS OF HALLUCINATIONS ARISING FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA AND OTHER PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS DURING CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE
2018 Volume 59 Issue 3 Pages 333-341
Details
2018 Volume 59 Issue 3 Pages 333-341
Background: The occurrence of hallucinations can suggest the presence of various psychiatric disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify differences between hallucinations in children and adolescents with and without schizophrenia.
Methods: Among 356 patients under 20 years of age, patients with hallucinations were enrolled through retrospective review of their medical records.
Results: Thirty-one patients (8.7%) had experienced some form of hallucination. Fourteen of the 31 patients were classified into a schizophrenia group, seven in a stress-related disorder group, nine into a developmental disorder group, and one into an other disorders group. Sixteen patients (51.6%) had experienced some type of traumatic event. Five patients with schizophrenia had at least one of Schneider's first-rank symptoms. Some hallucinations in patients without schizophrenia included command or criticisms, but none experienced voices commenting on the individual's actions.
Conclusion: Detailed descriptions regarding psychiatric symptoms might aid in rendering differential diagnoses in clinical settings of child psychiatry.
