The early manifestations of adolescent thought disorder.

Clinicians who wait for disturbed adolescents to fulfil the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia or a toxic psychosis will delay diagnosing a developing thought disorder until the youngster has been taught to be crazy and has become chronically stunted psychologically. Earlier diagnosis can allow more prompt prevention and support and can facilitate treatment and minimize handicapping. No single symptom is diagnostic of a developing thought disorder but thought disruption can be suspected when a cluster of persistent symptoms is present. These early manifestations of teenage thought disorder are presented and discussed.