Approach to New-Onset Psychosis in Pediatrics: A Review of Current Practice and an Interdisciplinary Consensus-Driven Clinical Pathway at a Single-Center Institution

J Child Neurol. 2023 Mar;38(3-4):216-222. doi: 10.1177/08830738231156804. Epub 2023 Feb 21.

Abstract

New-onset psychosis in the pediatric population poses many diagnostic challenges. Given the diversity of underlying causes, which fall under the purview of multiple medical specialties, a timely, targeted, yet thorough workup requires a systematic and coordinated approach. A committee of expert pediatric physicians from the divisions of emergency medicine, psychiatry, neurology, hospitalist medicine, and radiology convened to create and implement a novel clinical pathway and approach to the pediatric patient presenting with new-onset psychosis. Here we provide background and review the evidence supporting the investigations recommended in our pathway to screen for a comprehensive range of etiologies of pediatric psychosis.

Keywords: autoimmune; electroencephalography; encephalitis; neuroimaging; neuroimmunology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Consensus
  • Critical Pathways
  • Humans
  • Neurology*
  • Pediatrics*
  • Psychotic Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders* / etiology
  • Psychotic Disorders* / therapy