(May 4, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Children who are bullied may be at increased risk for developing psychotic symptoms by early adolescence, according to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Psychosis is a condition affecting the brain in which the affected person is somehow disconnected from reality. Some of its symptoms include:

•    Hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that are not there.

•    Strange beliefs, such as believing that others can manipulate their thoughts.

•    Confused thoughts or thoughts that feel sped up or slowed down.

Researchers from the University of Warwick in Coventry studied over 6,000 children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The children underwent yearly examinations of physical and mental health starting at age 7. Parents also filled out questionnaires on their children’s health and well-being, including questions on bullying.

Nearly half of the children experienced bullying at the age of 8 or 10. After considering psychiatric history, family adversity, and IQ, these children were about twice as likely to experience psychotic symptoms in early adolescence as those who had not been bullied. The association was even stronger if the bullying was long-term or particularly severe.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Dieter Wolke, one of the authors of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research highlights the need for anti-bullying strategies, as they may help prevent mental illness in some individuals.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.