Psychiatric prodrome in 8-year-old children

Mar 30, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Lately, my child has been coming home from school unhappy, sometimes crying alone in the room and refusing to talk when asked. Could this be a sign of mental illness? What are the early warning signs of mental illness in 8-year-old children?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ma Yan
Psychosis is a general term for various mental disorders. In 8-year-old children, psychosis mainly includes depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. Early signs of depression include timidity, social withdrawal, and frequent unexplained crying. Early signs of OCD involve repetitive behaviors, rigid routines, and inflexible procedures. Early signs of phobias include significant mood swings and heightened fearfulness or sensitivity toward everyday situations.