Full remission and recovery in a case of severe childhood psychosis after completion of a psychiatric day program

Abstract

Psychotic disorders with childhood onset before age 13 are rare and may have worse prognosis than their adult counterparts, although early detection and treatment may improve outcomes. This paper presents a case of a severe primary psychotic disorder in an 8-year-old child. Early initiation of antipsychotic medication combined with participation in an intensive, 6-month psychiatric day treatment program for children resulted in full remission of psychotic symptoms and a highly successful school reintegration. This case highlights the importance of early pharmacological and psychosocial interventions in improving outcomes in childhood-onset psychosis and potentially altering the course of a chronic and debilitating illness like schizophrenia.