The document discusses the challenges faced by children and adolescents with schizophrenia, including academic and social impairments, and the associated risks of suicide. It outlines the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and emphasizes the need to compare treatment plans for both adults and younger individuals, taking into account the ethical and legal issues of medicating children. The assignment requires a comprehensive analysis of evidence-based treatment options and discussions on how to navigate the complexities of forced medication in young patients.

1. 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.
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.

2. All papers submitted include a title page, introduction,
summary, and references.