Uncontrolled and unusual behavior, incoherence in thoughts and speech, delusions, hallucinations, suspiciousness, and impaired anger management are among the symptoms commonly seen during adolescence.
However, experts are warning that similar symptoms are also seen in early-onset schizophrenia. Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in schizophrenia, experts caution against confusing adolescence with schizophrenia.
Melis Ergezen, a Clinical Psychologist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, noting that the symptoms of early-stage schizophrenia resemble those experienced during adolescence.
Noting that adolescence begins in both girls and boys as childhood comes to an end, Ergezen provided the following information about adolescence:
“Adolescence can be defined as the first step toward adulthood. Adolescence is defined as the period between ages 7 and 14 for girls and ages 10 and 16 for boys. A person’s perspective on life begins to develop during adolescence. Girls tend to look to their mothers as role models, while boys look to their fathers. During this period, various physical and psychological changes begin in both genders.”
Noting that the physical changes a child undergoes can lead to shyness, embarrassment, and, as a result, withdrawal, Melis Ergezen states, “Because adolescents are curious about everything happening around them, they may act impulsively. He may lose touch with reality and live in a fantasy world. These fantasies may sometimes involve people he likes or is in love with, and other times they may involve plans for the future. During this period, adolescents may also experience significant emotional turmoil. As interest in the opposite sex increases, academic performance may decline,” he said.
ADOLESCENCE IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE
Noting that adolescents may display attitudes such as disregarding or breaking the rules set by their families, Ergezen said, “In some adolescents, verbal or physical violence toward family members or threatening language may also be observed. The adolescent may form a circle of friends that the family does not approve of. Adolescence is a slippery slope. Experimentation with drugs or stimulants is frequently observed during adolescence. This behavior may be motivated by a desire to fit in with peers and avoid being excluded. As a result of inappropriate behaviors undertaken to fit in with his peer group, the individual may begin to experience self-esteem issues. Regarding these changes experienced during adolescence, family members and those around them may make comments such as, ‘It’s just adolescence—don’t push him too hard,’ or ‘Don’t be too strict; this phase will pass—we went through a lot of difficulties when our child was going through adolescence too,’ he said.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS INCREASES THE CHANCES OF TREATMENT
Noting that the symptoms listed above could be characteristics of adolescence but could also be early signs of a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, Clinical Psychologist Melis Ergezen emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and offered the following advice:
“In early-stage schizophrenia, symptoms may include social withdrawal, reduced speech, uncontrolled and unusual behavior, excessive restlessness, disorganized thoughts and speech, a decline in academic performance, delusions, hallucinations, suspiciousness, hypersensitivity, difficulties in peer relationships, aggression, impaired anger management, and freezing may be observed. These symptoms can be confused with typical adolescent characteristics. A thorough clinical evaluation is necessary to prevent delayed intervention or misdiagnosis. The diagnosis of mental illnesses is made through interviews with the individual, observations, information gathered from the family, and, when necessary, clinical tests. Early detection of schizophrenia increases the chances of successful treatment.”