Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with deficits in cognition, affect, and social functioning. The onset of the illness rarely occurs before the age of 13 years, but then increases steadily during adolescence. Accurate diagnosis and treatment require familiarity with the clinical presentation, phenomenology, and course of the disorder. Diagnostic assessment must also incorporate an understanding of the youth’s developmental, social, educational, and psychological needs.