Schizophrenia (cont.)
When does schizophrenia start and who gets it?
Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. It occurs at similar rates in
all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and
delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. Men tend to experience symptoms
a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia
after age 45. Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children, but awareness of
childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing.
It can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the
first signs can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems,
and irritability -- behaviors that are common among teens. A combination of factors
can predict schizophrenia in up to 80 percent of youth who are at high risk of
developing the illness. These factors include isolating oneself and withdrawing
from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family
history of psychosis. In young people who develop the disease, this stage of the
disorder is called the "prodromal" period.
Are people with schizophrenia violent?
People with schizophrenia are not usually violent. In fact, most violent
crimes are not committed by people with schizophrenia. However, some
symptoms are associated with violence, such as delusions of persecution.
Substance abuse may also increase the chance a person will become violent.
If a person with schizophrenia becomes violent, the violence is usually
directed at family members and tends to take place at home.
The risk of violence among people with schizophrenia is small. But people
with the illness attempt suicide much more often than others. About 10 percent
(especially young adult males) die by suicide. It is hard to predict which
people with schizophrenia are prone to suicide. If you know someone who talks
about or attempts suicide, help him or her find professional help right away.
People with schizophrenia are not usually violent.
Next: What about substance abuse? »
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