Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning. Understanding age of onset helps with early detection, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. While no absolute age cutoff exists, onset patterns guide clinical expectations and research.

Schizophrenia has no strict "cutoff age" after which it cannot develop, but onset patterns are well-documented. Typical age of onset is late teens to mid-30s:

• Men: Peak onset 18–25 years.
• Women: Peak onset 25–35 years, with a smaller second peak after 45.

Childhood-onset schizophrenia (before age 13) is rare (~1 in 40,000) and often linked to neurodevelopmental issues. Adolescent-onset (13–18) occurs in ~1% of cases.

Late-onset schizophrenia (after 40) affects 15–20% of patients and is more common in women. Very-late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (after 60) is recognized but rarer (~0.1–0.5% of elderly) and often overlaps with dementia, sensory loss, or medical conditions.

Risk never drops to zero. New cases after 50 are uncommon but documented, especially in those with genetic predisposition, trauma, or substance use. A 2020 meta-analysis (Stafford et al.) found 3–5% of diagnoses occur after 60, though diagnostic caution is needed to rule out mimics like delirium or mood disorders.

Key takeaway: While 90%+ of cases emerge before 40, schizophrenia can onset at any age. Early intervention improves outcomes, so persistent hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking warrant evaluation regardless of age.