Adolescents With Schizophrenia - Local Medical Practice Seeks Volunteers For Important Study

Main Category: Schizophrenia
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 05 Feb 2006 - 11:00 PDT

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Adolescence is a time of change - a time when many parents see changes in their teenagers' behavior and moods.

Too frequently, these changes are dismissed as part of growing up when they may, in fact, be important early signs of mental illness. This is particularly true when it comes to illnesses such as adolescent schizophrenia. One reason: the gradual onset of symptoms in teens makes the illness difficult to recognize and diagnose. Another reason is lack of awareness about the disease. As a result of these two factors, certain medications are often prescribed to treat adolescent schizophrenia - despite this lack of knowledge.

ANCHOR - Adolescents 'n Children Helping Others Through Research - is conducting a clinical study throughout the United States in association with local physicians. The study is designed to fill this gap in knowledge and treatment - a vital step to help doctors understand more about the illness, its diagnosis and its treatment. This study is one of the first of its kind that explores whether medication approved for adults are safe and effective in adolescents.

Symptoms of adolescent schizophrenia include unusual changes in behavior; hearing things or receiving special messages; talking to self; does not interact with others; change in personal hygiene; increased suspiciousness.

If your child or someone you know is age 13 to 17 and exhibits any of these symptoms, you are encouraged to refer them to this study.

Caregivers and others who wish to obtain additional information and/or to refer potential participants can call toll-free (800) 773-5374 or log onto the study's web site at http://www.anchor.axiomihm.com.

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