Psychosocial Family Treatment for a 10-Year-Old with Schizoaffective Disorder Original Research Article

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are rare in childhood and little is known about their psychosocial treatment. Relevant findings from the adult and child literature are reviewed. The case of 10-year-old “Michael” is presented, who participated in a randomized clinical trial of a psychoeducational family treatment for mood disorders. Following treatment, quantitative and qualitative data show that Michaelʹs mood and social functioning improved, utilization of mental health services improved, the overall family emotional climate became more positive, and his parents felt supported. He no longer met criteria for a mood episode but continued to display psychosis. This familyʹs response suggests that group psychoeducation may be an effective treatment for families of children with emerging schizophrenia spectrum disorders.