Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than women. While schizophrenia can occur at any age, it typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Men tend to experience their first symptoms earlier, usually in their late teens or early twenties, whereas women often experience their first symptoms in their late twenties or early thirties.
Factors that may influence the likelihood of developing schizophrenia include:
- Genetics: Having a close relative with schizophrenia increases the risk.
- Brain structure and function: Differences in brain structure and function may play a role.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to viruses during pregnancy, trauma, or drug use may contribute to the risk.
It is important to remember that schizophrenia is a complex disorder and the exact causes are not fully understood.
