Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Schizophrenia Develop Suddenly?
Question: Hi, I have a few questions on mental diseases such as schziphrenia, psychosis, etc.
I'm almost 30 years old, no family history of any kind of mental illnesses. I've been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and hypochondriasis. My problem is I read a lot about diseases online trying to self diagnose myself but it only makes things worse.. My questions are: Can schizophrenia develop suddenly with no warning after age of 30 ? If that is so how fast does it typically develop? Also can high stress causes it in anyone or only in those who have genetic component? Any way to be 100% certain that schizophrenia is not going to develop during the lifetime after age of 30 or 35? Considering no familial history...
I'm almost 30 years old, no family history of any kind of mental illnesses. I've been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and hypochondriasis. My problem is I read a lot about diseases online trying to self diagnose myself but it only makes things worse.. My questions are: Can schizophrenia develop suddenly with no warning after age of 30 ? If that is so how fast does it typically develop? Also can high stress causes it in anyone or only in those who have genetic component? Any way to be 100% certain that schizophrenia is not going to develop during the lifetime after age of 30 or 35? Considering no familial history...
Brief Answer:
schizophrenia can occur at any age
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would answer your queries in the order which you have asked.
1. Yes it can develop after 30 without any warning signs. But the common age group of occurrence of schizophrenia is 15-25 years.
2. There might be a prodrome which can go unnoticed. But it can be acute in onset. Symptoms can appear overnight also in some cases.
3. Stress usually acts as a contributory factor for the illness in either of the cases. It's usually not the sole causative factor.
4. There is no way to be certain that whether schizophrenia will develop in anyone after age 30 or not. It can develop in anyone. Family history may or may not be positive.
Hope this answers your queries.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
schizophrenia can occur at any age
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would answer your queries in the order which you have asked.
1. Yes it can develop after 30 without any warning signs. But the common age group of occurrence of schizophrenia is 15-25 years.
2. There might be a prodrome which can go unnoticed. But it can be acute in onset. Symptoms can appear overnight also in some cases.
3. Stress usually acts as a contributory factor for the illness in either of the cases. It's usually not the sole causative factor.
4. There is no way to be certain that whether schizophrenia will develop in anyone after age 30 or not. It can develop in anyone. Family history may or may not be positive.
Hope this answers your queries.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
