How Common Is Schizophrenia? Incidence and Age at Onset by Sex
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It falls under a group of illnesses called psychotic disorders, and they are defined by delusions, hallucinations, and irrational ideas. While schizophrenia affects a small segment of the general population, its impact on the individuals who experience it, their families, and communities is considerable.1
At A Mission For Michael (AMFM), we understand how difficult the onset of schizophrenia is. That’s why our centers in California, Minnesota,Washington, and Virginia provide extensive mental illness treatment for schizophrenia near you. We use a combination of antipsychotic drugs, therapy, and psychosocial rehabilitation programs to address symptoms and help the patients rebuild their lives. This page factors in how prevalent schizophrenia is worldwide and in America, when it typically begins, and how onset depends on age and nature for men and women.
What Is Schizophrenia?
The American Psychiatric Association and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) both define schizophrenia as a condition that includes psychotic symptoms for a minimum of six months.2
The primary symptoms of schizophrenia are:
- Positive symptoms: hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions, and disorganized speech.
- Negative symptoms: loss of motivation, social withdrawal, and less expression of feelings.
- Cognitive impairments: trouble concentrating, memory loss, and difficulty with decision-making.
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and changes in brain development and neurotransmitters like dopamine are involved in the disease.3 The sooner treatment begins, the better. Treatment and support with mental illness can help many to manage symptoms and live more fulfilling lives.
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How Prevalent Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is rare compared to other psychiatric diseases, yet it is one of the most disabling. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 1 out of every 300 people (0.32% of the population) worldwide has schizophrenia. It’s more like 1 out of every 222 (0.45%) in adults.4
In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) projects that schizophrenia and related conditions afflict between 0.25% and 0.64% of the population.5 While the numbers themselves are small, the effect is vast. Schizophrenia ranks among the leading causes of disability in the world, according to the WHO fact sheet.4
When Does Schizophrenia Typically Begin?
Schizophrenia typically starts in late adolescence to early adulthood, which coincides with the time that the brain continues to develop and is vulnerable to stress and chemical changes.6
- Men’s onset typically occurs in late teens to early 20s.
- Women’s onset is later, in late 20s to early 30s.
There also exists a second, lower peak of onset in some women at midlife, which can be in relation to changes in hormones.7 This difference between men and women suggests that biology and the environment are both contributing factors to when schizophrenia begins.
Difference Between Men and Women
Research shows that gender not only impacts the timing of schizophrenia, but also how it manifests:
- Men: generally earlier onset, more negative symptoms, and more impairment.
- Women: generally later onset, better long-term prognosis, and more overlap with mood symptoms such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.7
This is not to say schizophrenia is easier for women. It simply reflects the fact that psychiatrists need to consider gender when diagnosing schizophrenia and planning treatment.
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Risk Factors
The risk of schizophrenia comes from many factors that overlap and reinforce each other:
- Family history: A close relative with schizophrenia or other mental disorders increases risk.
- Problems in brain development: Pregnancy or childbirth problems that hinder brain development.
- Environmental: Adversities, stress, or trauma in the social environment.
- Comorbid conditions: Other psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, or personality disorder can make it difficult to diagnose.
Diagnosing Schizophrenia
Diagnosis of schizophrenia may be challenging since the symptoms resemble other psychiatric disorders like schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder. Physicians use several devices to establish a diagnosis:
- The DSM-5 criteria.
- Behavioral and everyday life interviews.
- Physical examinations to rule out physical causes or alcohol/drug use disorder.
Early and accurate diagnosis matters. A study shows that people who receive treatment soon after their initial psychotic break fare better in the long term.8
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Medications
Medications are the main treatment. There are two categories:
- First-generation (typical) antipsychotics: These suppress positive symptoms but also have side effects like tremors, stiffness, or parkinsonism.
- Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics: Drugs like risperidone, olanzapine, and clozapine. These also produce fewer movement side effects but might induce weight gain, changes in blood pressure, or increased cholesterol.4
Treatment and Support
There is no quick fix. Psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions are equally important. The interventions include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for psychosis.
- Psychoeducation for families and patients.
- Group therapy for peer support.
- Supported employment and job programs to regain independence.
- Used together with medication, these approaches decrease relapse and improve quality of life overall.
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How AMFM Helps
We at AMFM are dedicated to the philosophy that schizophrenia must be treated as a disease of the whole person. Our programs include:
- Care from psychiatrists, therapists, and nurses.
- Close monitoring of antipsychotic medication side effects through careful administration.
- Psychotherapy and training in coping skills.
- Involvement of family members in care and education.
- Free, confidential screenings for anyone concerned about symptoms.
If AMFM is not a good fit, we also make referrals to other providers. Long-term recovery is our goal.
Suicide Risk and Crisis Support
People with schizophrenia are at heightened risk for suicide, especially in the few years just after diagnosis. About 5% die by suicide, and up to 20% attempt suicide at least once.9
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to you 24/7. Call or text 988 to talk to a trained counselor, who will provide confidential support and connect you with local services. The lifeline is operated by SAMHSA and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (.gov).
Why Early Help Matters
If not treated, schizophrenia can extensively disrupt education, employment, and interpersonal relationships. With proper treatment—especially after a first psychotic episode—outcomes are much better. Medication, therapy, and family support lower relapse rates and allow people to live more productive lives.
At AMFM, we urge anyone who notices symptoms of schizophrenia in a loved one or themselves to seek it out early.
Taking the First Step
If you or a loved one is showing signs of schizophrenia—hallucinations, paranoia, or sudden withdrawal—don’t wait. Here at AMFM, we offer free and confidential screenings, insurance help, and individualized care plans.
Call 844-651-4568 right away to speak with our admissions counselors. You don’t have to fight schizophrenia alone.
Citations
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Schizophrenia. Accessed September 3, 2025. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.
American Psychiatric Association. What Is Schizophrenia? Accessed September 3, 2025. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia.
World Health Organization. Schizophrenia Fact Sheet. Accessed September 3, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Schizophrenia. Accessed September 3, 2025. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia.
Bjerkeset, Ottar, Pål Romundstad, and David Gunnell. “Gender Differences in the Association of Mixed Anxiety and Depression with Suicide.” The British Journal of Psychiatry 192, no. 6 (June 2008): 474-475. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.107.045203.
Häfner, Heinz. “Gender Differences in Schizophrenia.” Psychoneuroendocrinology 28, no. 2 (2003): 17–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4530(02)00125-7.
Saha, Sukanta, et al. “A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Schizophrenia.” PLoS Medicine 2, no. 5 (2005): e141. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020141.
Fu, Xue-Lei, Yan Qian, Xiao-Hong Jin, Hai-Rong Yu, Hua Wu, Lin Du, Hong-Lin Chen, and Ya-Qin Shi. 2021. “Suicide Rates among People with Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Psychological Medicine 53, no. 2 (January): 351-61. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291721001549.
