Psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people: recognition and management

Treating possible psychosis or schizophrenia

If you find your symptoms very upsetting but professionals are not certain whether you have psychosis or schizophrenia, they may offer you cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT for short). This is a type of psychological therapy (therapy for short). They may also offer a type of therapy involving your family called family intervention. If you also have anxiety, depression, personality disorder or a problem with drugs or alcohol, you may be offered treatment for that as well. Medication called antipsychotic medication should not be offered at this stage.

Healthcare professionals in specialist services will ask to see you regularly for up to 3 years after an assessment to make sure your symptoms are improving and not getting worse. If you, or your parents or carers, don't want this you will be offered another appointment and healthcare professionals should advise the family to contact services if your symptoms get worse.