James McCarthy
Pace University, USA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Abnorm Child
Etiological studies, investigations of high risk populations and outcome studies have all contributed to a better understanding of the clinical features and the course of early onset mood disorder-related psychosis, schizophrenia and trauma related psychosis in children and youth. However, recent neurobiological studies and revolutionary advances in knowledge about brain structure and functioning have not been easily translated into innovative treatment approaches for children and adolescents with severe and chronic psychotic disorders. Psychosis in youth entails shifting internal emotional states of lived experience as well as the features of psychiatric disorders which frequently interfere with social, emotional and cognitive maturation. Although psychotic disorders in children and adolescents are often continuous with adult-onset psychotic disorders, comprehensive, multimodal treatment that includes psychotherapy and supportive family interventions as well as antipsychotic medication offer the best hope of restoring the psychotic youth to age-appropriate maturation in all spheres of functioning. This article synthesizes recent research advances while arguing for the need for long-term comprehensive care and treatment for children and adolescents with psychotic disorders that includes the importance of psychotherapy.
James McCarthy is the Director of Field Training and Associate Professor of Psychology, Pace University, Doctor of Psychology program in School-Clinical Child Psychology in New York City and Clinical Professor of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. His interests include severe psychopathology in children and adults, trauma studies, cognition and training in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and he has published widely in the professional literature. He is the author and editor of a number of books. His current book “Psychosis in Childhood and Adolescence” is published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis.
Email: jmccarthy@pace.edu
