1 Early Onset Schizophrenia Early-onset schizophrenia refers to a severe as well as a debilitating disease that is related to substantial long-term impairments in a wide range of factors such as social, educational, psychological, reduced life expectancy, poor physical health among others. 2 The main objective of this paper is based on comparing treatment plans for adults suffering from schizophrenia with treatment plans for adolescents as well as children suffering from schizophrenia. In addition, the paper discusses different legal and ethical issues that are involved in treating children suffering from schizophrenia. 3 Comparison of two evidence-based treatment plans for adults, children and adolescents with schizophrenia. The main objectives when treating schizophrenia include preventing relapse, enhancing adaptive functioning as well as targeting symptoms of the illness to ensure that integration of patients back into society. 4 According to Baker et al. (2016), the mainstay in managing schizophrenia is pharmacotherapy, though residual symptoms are likely to persist. In such a case, non-pharmacological medications such as psychotherapy may be considered vital. 5 Some of the evidence-based treatments for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the application of second-generation antipsychotics. On the other hand, children and adolescent’s treatment would include second-generation antipsychotics as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy both adapted for psychosis. 6 According to Harvey et al. (2016), non-pharmacological as well as pharmacological treatments can be used towards optimizing long-term outcomes. Second-generation antipsychotics are considered the choice agents as well as first stage treatment for the schizophrenia illness in both adults as well as adolescents. Other approved treatments by the FDA include aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone as well as quetiapine. McDougall & Sanderson (2016), the main benefit of using second-generation antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia is that such drugs are related to fewer extrapyramidal symptoms. Nevertheless, such medications are well-known to cause hyperlipidemia, as well as weight gain, hence increasing the risk of heart diseases for the patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. In adults, CBT is considered effective as a standalone treatment for schizophrenia. On the other hand, in children as well as adolescents, CBT mainly adapted for psychosis is considered to be effective in helping children to respond to decisions in a less impairing manner. Legal and Ethical issues Depending on the developmental stage of the child, they need an explanation about their condition and have choices on possible treatments. Nevertheless, legally, due to age, parents are instrumental in deciding the treatment for their children. In most cases, parents are obliged to give consent to treatment for their children. Due to such factors, it is important that a psy ...

1. 1 Early Onset Schizophrenia
Early-onset schizophrenia refers to a severe as well as a
debilitating disease that is related to substantial long-term
impairments in a wide range of factors such as social,
educational, psychological, reduced life expectancy, poor
physical health among others. 2 The main objective of this
paper is based on comparing treatment plans for adults suffering
from schizophrenia with treatment plans for adolescents as well
as children suffering from schizophrenia. In addition, the paper
discusses different legal and ethical issues that are involved in
treating children suffering from schizophrenia.
3 Comparison of two evidence-based treatment plans for adults,
children and adolescents with schizophrenia.
The main objectives when treating schizophrenia include
preventing relapse, enhancing adaptive functioning as well as
targeting symptoms of the illness to ensure that integration of
patients back into society. 4 According to Baker et al. (2016),
the mainstay in managing schizophrenia is pharmacotherapy,
though residual symptoms are likely to persist. In such a case,
non-pharmacological medications such as psychotherapy may be
considered vital. 5 Some of the evidence-based treatments for
adults diagnosed with schizophrenia include Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the application of second-
generation antipsychotics. On the other hand, children and
adolescent’s treatment would include second-generation
antipsychotics as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy both
adapted for psychosis. 6 According to Harvey et al. (2016), non-
pharmacological as well as pharmacological treatments can be
used towards optimizing long-term outcomes.
Second-generation antipsychotics are considered the choice
agents as well as first stage treatment for the schizophrenia
illness in both adults as well as adolescents. Other approved
treatments by the FDA include aripiprazole, olanzapine,
risperidone as well as quetiapine. McDougall & Sanderson

2. (2016), the main benefit of using second-generation
antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia is that such drugs are
related to fewer extrapyramidal symptoms. Nevertheless, such
medications are well-known to cause hyperlipidemia, as well as
weight gain, hence increasing the risk of heart diseases for the
patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. In adults, CBT is
considered effective as a standalone treatment for
schizophrenia. On the other hand, in children as well as
adolescents, CBT mainly adapted for psychosis is considered to
be effective in helping children to respond to decisions in a less
impairing manner.
Legal and Ethical issues Depending on the developmental stage
of the child, they need an explanation about their condition and
have choices on possible treatments. Nevertheless, legally, due
to age, parents are instrumental in deciding the treatment for
their children. In most cases, parents are obliged to give consent
to treatment for their children. Due to such factors, it is
important that a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
establish clear communication with the parents towards
understanding the benefits as well as risks associated with
prescribed medication therapy. On the other hand, ethically,
safety is a possible pharmacotherapy risk, which should be
weighed against the possible risks associated with untreated
psychopathology. Therefore, a psychiatric-mental health nurse
practitioner should weigh both the pros and cons of treatment
and also have an understanding of both legal and ethical
principles, which guide the care provisions towards minors.
Summary Early-onset schizophrenia refers to a severe as well as
a debilitating disease that is related to substantial long-term
impairments in a wide range of factors such as social,
educational, psychological, reduced life expectancy, poor
physical health among others (Harvey et al., 2016). 5 Some of
the evidence-based treatments for adults diagnosed with
schizophrenia include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and
the application of second-generation antipsychotics. A
psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner should weigh both

3. the pros and cons of treatment and also have an understanding
of both legal and ethical principles, which guide the care
provisions towards minors. Depending on the developmental
stage of the child, they need explanation about their condition
and have choices on possible treatments.
Assignment 1: Early Onset Schizophrenia
Children and adolescents with schizophrenia have more
difficulty functioning in academic or work settings, and
significant impairment usually persists into adulthood. They
may have speech or language disorders and in some cases
borderline intellectual functioning. These individuals are more
likely to complete suicide attempts or die from other accidental
causes. Schizophrenia is characterized by positive and negative
symptoms. Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions,
and behavior disturbance. Negative symptoms include blunted
affect and attention, apathy, and lack of motivation and social
interest.
In this Assignment, you compare treatment plans for adults
diagnosed with schizophrenia with treatment plans for children
and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia. You also
consider the legal and ethical issues involved in medicating
children diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
· Compare evidence-based treatment plans for adults versus
children and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia
· Analyze legal and ethical issues surrounding the forceful
administration of medication to children diagnosed with
schizophrenia
· Analyze the role of the PMHNP in addressing issues related to
the forceful administration of medication to children diagnosed
with schizophrenia
To Prepare for this Assignment:

4. · Review the Learning Resources concerning early-onset
schizophrenia.
The Assignment (2 pages):
· Compare at least two evidence-based treatment plans for
adults diagnosed with schizophrenia with evidence-based
treatment plans for children and adolescents diagnosed with
schizophrenia.
· Explain the legal and ethical issues involved with forcing
children diagnosed with schizophrenia to take medication for
the disorder and how a PMHNP may address those issues.
Note: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted
include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The
Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides
an example of those required elements. All papers submitted
must use this formatting.
see class rules
Use subheadings when writing
cite scholarly resources including peer-review journals and
current practice guidelines
A clear purpose statement (The purpose of this paper is to...) is
required in the introduction of all writings
Please all bullets points, bold, red and highlighted area must be
attended to.