What are the signs of schizophrenia in a teenager?
Patient: Good evening, perhaps I feel a little lost. Our son is 16, typical teenager but gets so moody. He doesn t talk to us and often acts out, yells, screams go away when we try to help him. We are a normal relaxed fsmily, he is our only child. He has a loving home. He experienced a loss of a very dear friend, they were friends from their baby age, due to cancer, it was hard on him. He doesn t do well at School much, gives up easily. We are thinking about a psychologist or a psychiatrist visit. Why? My husband s brother is a schizophrenic, so we are worried. Is it something hereditary? Am I being totally irrational? What are the signs of schizophrenia youth? Thank you for your time!!! Andrea Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  Well due to the lose of his friend the boy can change his behavioral in different way. But I think that your boy need professional help by a psychiatrist to help pass this period of time. And yes schizophrenia is hereditary illness but I will suggest to ask for help and let them make the diagnosis. No you are not being irrational you are a worried mother and in this case your son needs help and of course your support. Hope the best for you.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.