Schizophrenia in children is rare - the early onset form is estimated to have a prevalence of up to 0.5%. The problem can occur in the youngest patients - in general, schizophrenia in children tends to follow a similar pattern to that in adults, however, in paediatric patients the illness can be characterised by certain distinctions. So what is characteristic of schizophrenia in children and when should parents seek the help of a psychiatrist?