Thinking difficulties or thought disorder. Difficulties thinking affect concentration, memory, and ability to plan. These make it more difficult for a young person to reason, communicate, and complete daily tasks. A young person’s thinking may be disorganised, not follow a logical train of thoughts, or jump in unpredictable directions. It can be recognised through unusual speech patterns or conversation that lacks content, jumps between topics, or stops abruptly (224). A young person experiencing episodes of psychosis may also experience changes in emotion, for example: – Depression – Anxiety – Changes in appetite – Reduced energy and motivation – Difficulties with concentration or attention – Sleep disturbance – Social isolation or withdrawal – Reduced ability to carry out work and social roles Conditions Schizophrenia Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia has nothing to do with ‘split personality’. The term schizophrenia means ‘split mind’ and refers to changes in mental function whereby thoughts and perceptions become disordered. Schizophrenia causes a range of different psychological effects, and the young person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality (225). The onset of schizophrenia in children is rare. However, the rates of onset increase during adolescence. Schizophrenia can usually be
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