Assessing and treating a first episode of psychosis in children

Psychosis rarely occurs before puberty and is associated with a poor long-term prognosis. Urgently refer children who display signs or symptoms of psychosis, accompanied by their family, carers, or significant others to a specialist centre (eg Headspace for children 12 years or older) or, if a specialist centre is not available, a child psychiatrist or age-appropriate mental health team. Early treatment improves outcomes. For principles of treating psychoses including schizophrenia in children, see here.