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Thursday, October 28, 2010 Joyafterall asks

Q: My great niece is 11 years old. She very frequently speaks in an annoying cartoon eerie voice. It was suggested to me that the voice she creates is an early symptom of schizophrenia.

There is a family history of at least three generations so far known of with mental illness. Her mother was diagnosed at 15 with schizophrenia; A few of us have Bi-polar and major depression.
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Answers (2)
Christina Bruni, Health Guide
10/31/10 5:10pm

Hello,

 

A diagnosis should be made carefully and only by a qualified psychiatrist.  The earlier someone with schizophrenia is treated with medication and therapy the better the outcome is.

 

As you might be aware people diagnosed with a mental illness can go on to live full, happy, productive lives.


I might suggest a consultation for the niece if she has any early warning signs of schizophrenia with a child psychiatrist or therapist.

 

Again only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis.

 

Like I said: the earlier someone who hears voices or hallucinates or has other symptoms is treated the better the outcome is.

 

Regards,

Christina

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Christina Bruni, Health Guide
10/31/10 5:12pm

See also this link on childhood schizophrenia by a former expert here.

 

Christina

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By Joyafterall— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 10/28/10