children s health issues
Schizophrenia in Children and Adolescents
Diagnosis
Evaluation of symptoms over time Tests to rule out other disorders There is no specific diagnostic test for schizophrenia. Doctors base the diagnosis on a thorough evaluation of symptoms over time. Doctors also do tests to check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Such conditions include brain infections, injuries, tumors, autoimmune disorders, and use of certain drugs (such as corticosteroids and many illicit drugs). Schizophrenia should not be blamed on poor parenting or difficulties during childhood. 