Family Therapy and Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia: Pursuing Clinical and Bio/Psycho/Social Competence

Childhood-onset schizophrenia is perceived as more complicated because of its complexity, pervasive duration, and impact on individual and family functioning. Viewing the symptoms of childhood schizophrenia as creating a bio/psycho/social competence within which the therapist and family must interact may help contribute to treatment success. Competent family therapists working within this culture should be knowledgeable about the characteristics of childhood-onset schizophrenia, aware of their own biases towards psychosis, and skillful in its treatment. Guidelines are provided to help therapists identify their attitudes about schizophrenia and understand appropriate skills for treating the disorder.