🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 50 (from laksa199)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa050.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519","crawl_time":1776211049,"first_indexed_time":1612727304,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellhealth!www,\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519 s443","src_root_hash":"5681562863987870850","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Early Signs of Schizophrenia in Kids, Teens, and Adults","meta_descriptions":["The first signs of schizophrenia are often subtle and look like other conditions. Learn how to recognize them in children, teens, and adults."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nSchizophrenia is a mental disorder that can start with subtle signs like social withdrawal and strange behavior.\nEarly symptoms of schizophrenia can look like other mental health conditions, making it hard to diagnose.\nRecognizing early warning signs and getting help from a healthcare provider is important for managing schizophrenia.\nSchizophrenia\nis a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include:\nYoung children: \nDelayed development\nOlder kids and teens:\n Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing\nAdults: \nRestlessness, anxiety, low energy, not taking care of oneself (e.g., personal hygiene), decrease in work performance, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal\nIt is estimated that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of adults worldwide.\nSchizophrenia usually develops slowly, with early warning signs starting before the first severe episode. Knowing these warning signs can help a healthcare provider diagnose schizophrenia sooner and make sure that a person living with the condition gets the care and support that they need.\nWestend61 \/ Getty images\nEarly Warning Signs of Schizophrenia\nThe time during which the early warning signs of schizophrenia are experienced is called the\nprodromal stage\n. The onset of schizophrenia can last from months to years. The first signs of schizophrenia can be different depending on how old a person is when the disorder develops. \nThe age at which someone develops schizophrenia is thought to influence the symptoms they will have.\nEven though men and women have roughly similar rates of schizophrenia, they tend to develop the condition at slightly different ages.\nPositive Signs\nPositive symptoms can be the first signs of schizophrenia. In mental health terms, \"positive\" means these symptoms are present, not that they are beneficial.\nFor instance, someone with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, while someone without the condition would not.\nEarly positive symptoms might worsen before a severe episode of\npsychosis\n. These warning signs include:\nConfusing speech\nStrange and\/or intense thoughts and feelings\nNew difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating\nSuspiciousness of or uneasiness with others (paranoia)\nTrouble telling reality from fantasy, seeing and\/or hearing things that are not there (delusions\/hallucinations)\nThese early warning signs might continue and could worsen, especially without diagnosis and treatment.\nNegative Signs\nNegative symptoms of schizophrenia tend to develop later. \"Negative\" means these traits are absent or reduced.\nPeople with schizophrenia often show fewer typical behaviors, such as the ability to feel pleasure or engage in conversation.\nExamples of negative symptoms include:\nLimited talking or no talking\nHaving no feelings (flat affect)\nSpending a lot more time alone than usual (withdrawing socially)\nLack of initiative (for example, not completing tasks at home, work, or school)\nDecline in self-care or personal hygiene\nBeing unable to feel pleasure\nSchizophrenia Warning Signs by Age\nSchizophrenia can vary from person to person, as individuals may not experience all positive or negative symptoms. The condition can also present differently based on the age when it develops.\nIn Young Children\nPeople who are diagnosed with \nschizophrenia in childhood\n have more developmental delays than people who are diagnosed later in life. \nVery early developmental warning signs of schizophrenia include:\nDelayed motor development\n(such as not walking until over 18 months old)\nDelayed speech and\/or language development\n(such as not speaking meaningful two- or three-word phrases until over 36 months old)\nImpaired social development at an early age\n(such as not using gestures to communicate or failing to regulate facial expressions)\nIt is important to note that these delays are not always a sign of schizophrenia. There are also other reasons a child may have delays, so it’s important to have them evaluated by their provider. \nIn Teenagers\nBefore the onset of schizophrenia, adolescents often develop changes in behavior. They are likely to end up struggling in school—one of the most common issues reported in teens diagnosed with schizophrenia. \nEarly warning signs of schizophrenia in teens include:\nDifficulty concentrating and paying attention\nUnexplained functional decline\nIncreased introversion\nLoneliness\nDepression\nAggression\nSuicidal ideation\nTheft\nBizarre behaviors\nIt is hard to diagnose schizophrenia in adolescents because many of the features of the condition are also common during normal childhood development. For example, a normal part of childhood is having vivid imaginations and fantasies. However, these can be misunderstood to be hallucinations—a symptom of schizophrenia.\nIt is thought that children might be less likely to have paranoid delusions (the belief that others are out to harm them) than people who develop schizophrenia at an older age.\nEllen Lindner \/ Verywell\nIn Early Adulthood\nSchizophrenia typically develops during early adulthood. Its onset is characterized by changes in behavior and a deterioration in functioning in daily life. \nThe most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include:\nNervousness and\/or restlessness\nDepression\nAnxiety\nDifficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating\nWorrying\nLack of self-confidence\nLack of energy and\/or slowness\nA worrying drop in grades or job performance\nSocial withdrawal and\/or uneasiness around other people\nWhat Are Prodromal Symptoms in Schizophrenia?\nSome, but not all, people with schizophrenia experience a prodromal stage before the full-blown disorder happens. The prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia can be somewhat nonspecific and include feeling nervous, anxious, depressed, and having trouble concentrating. It can be hard to tell that these symptoms will ultimately be related to schizophrenia since they are also common in other mental and physical health disorders.\nNot everyone will experience these early warning signs at the same time in their lives. According to some studies, these prodromal symptoms can be present for years.\nOver the Age of 45\nMost early warning signs of schizophrenia for people over the age of 45 are the same as those for people who develop schizophrenia at a younger age.\nSome scientists think that people who develop schizophrenia later in life will have fewer disorganized thinking and negative symptoms than people who develop it earlier.\nIn the past, studies suggested that people who develop schizophrenia later in life may not have the same symptoms as people diagnosed earlier. However, more recent research suggests that the key features of schizophrenia—like negative symptoms—are often similar for people who are diagnosed at an older age compared to those who are diagnosed younger.\nWhen Schizophrenia Symptoms Start\nSymptoms usually start to develop in early adulthood, between late adolescence and the early 30s. The disorder typically becomes evident slightly earlier in men than it does in women. The symptoms of schizophrenia often show up between late adolescence and the early 20s in men and between the early 20s and the early 30s in women.\nEarly Onset Schizophrenia\nWhen the disorder is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is referred to as early onset schizophrenia (EOS). EOS is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.23%.\nEven more rarely, schizophrenia can develop in very young children. This is called childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and it is diagnosed before the age of 13.\nAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 40,000 children will have COS.\nIt is thought to be extremely uncommon that COS will develop before the age of 10. \nLate-Onset Schizophrenia\nAlthough schizophrenia most commonly starts between late adolescence and the early 30s, it is estimated that up to 20% of patients first have symptoms after the age of 40 years old.\nSome scientists have identified this as a subtype of schizophrenia called late-onset schizophrenia (LOS).\nWomen are more likely to be in this group than men. The symptoms typically develop in \nmenopause\n, between ages 44 and 49 years old. However, it is still more common for schizophrenia to develop in early adulthood than at this time in life. \nCauses and Risk Factors\nSince a lot of the early signs of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions (like depression and anxiety), it’s important to understand why some people develop schizophrenia. \nWhile the exact\ncause\nof schizophrenia is not known, there are a few risk factors that researchers think make a person more likely to develop it.\nSchizophrenia has a strong genetic component and is highly heritable. Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disease. \nThese risk factors will be taken into account regarding a\ndiagnosis\nif you are thought to be experiencing these early warning signs of schizophrenia.\nFor example, genetics, brain structure and function, and the environment a person grew up in (e.g., exposure to poverty, stress, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies) can all influence whether a person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime.\nComplications\nIn the early stages of schizophrenia, the disorder can be confused with other common mental health conditions, like depression. It can be hard even for providers to tell them apart since most common early warning signs for schizophrenia are also among the most common initial symptoms for moderate to severe depression.\nIt is not until the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and speech) of schizophrenia show up that it gets easier to tell apart from other mental health conditions.\nGetting the correct diagnosis and connecting people with support and treatment is crucial to keep them safe and help them manage life with the condition. \nPeople are at risk for suicidal thoughts and may act on those thoughts. The risk of suicide for people living with schizophrenia is higher for men and people who were diagnosed at a young age.\nDepression has been identified as a major risk factor for suicide among people living with schizophrenia. Having other mental health concerns, like substance use disorder, also increases the risk of suicide among people living with schizophrenia.\nIf you or your loved one is thinking of or talking about harming themselves, contact someone who can help right away. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour\nNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline)\nat 800-237-8255.\nIf you require immediate emergency care, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.\nWhen to See a Healthcare Provider\nSchizophrenia usually develops gradually, so it can be hard to pinpoint when changes in behavior start or whether they are something to worry about. In general, if you recognize that you’re having a pattern of concerning behaviors, take it as a sign that you need to talk to a provider about what you’re going through. \nIf you are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia at each age, you may be more likely to spot them early. While these changes might not be concerning by themselves, if you or a loved one are having several of them, talk to a mental health professional. Keep in mind that it can be difficult for people to get help—especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as \nparanoia\n. ","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925)\n  - [Skin Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/skin-health-4014649)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n  - [Diet & Nutrition](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128)\n  - [First Aid](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/first-aid-4014723)\n  - [Surgery](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/surgery-overview-4581881)\n- [Health Care](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n  - [Health Insurance](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-insurance-overview-4581967)\n  - [Public Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/public-health-4158386)\n  - [Patient Rights](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/patient-rights-4014673)\n  - [Disability](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disability-4014735)\n  - [Caregivers & Loved Ones](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/for-caregivers-and-loved-ones-4014749)\n  - [End of Life Concerns](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/end-of-life-overview-4581973)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n  - [Health News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-news-4844929)\n  - [Studies & Guidelines](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/studies-and-guidelines-11869035)\n- Tools & Resources\n  - [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820)\n  - [Doctor Discussion Guides](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090)\n  - [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852)\n  - [Lipid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856)\n  - [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n  - [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n  - [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nSearch\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925)\n  - [Skin Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/skin-health-4014649)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n  - [Diet & Nutrition](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128)\n  - [First Aid](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/first-aid-4014723)\n  - [Surgery](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/surgery-overview-4581881)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n- [Health Care](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n  - [Health Insurance](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-insurance-overview-4581967)\n  - [Public Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/public-health-4158386)\n  - [Patient Rights](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/patient-rights-4014673)\n  - [Disability](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disability-4014735)\n  - [Caregivers & Loved Ones](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/for-caregivers-and-loved-ones-4014749)\n  - [End of Life Concerns](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/end-of-life-overview-4581973)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n  - [Health News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-news-4844929)\n  - [Studies & Guidelines](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/studies-and-guidelines-11869035)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n\n[More in Mental Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-5079153)\n\n- [Psychotic Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychotic-disorders-5205105)\n- [Mental Health Disorder Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-disorders-symptoms-8646516)\n- [Autism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/autism-overview-4582004)\n- [ADHD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/adhd-8430762)\n- [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/bipolar-disorder-8431792)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/depression-8431794)\n- [OCD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ocd-related-disorders-8431799)\n- [Anxiety Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-disorders-5205106)\n- [Mood Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mood-disorders-5205099)\n- [Eating Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/eating-disorders-5205104)\n- [Neurodevelopmental Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/neurodevelopmental-disorders-5205110)\n- [Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/therapy-5205107)\n- [Personality Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/personality-disorders-5205101)\n- [Substance Use Disorder & Addiction](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/substance-use-disorder-addiction-5205102)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychology-8431801)\n- [Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/trauma-and-stressor-related-disorders-5205109)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-5079153)\n\nTools & Resources\n\n- [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820)\n- [Doctor Discussion Guides](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090)\n- [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852)\n- [Lipid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856)\n- [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n- [Medical Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nVerywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nSchizophrenia Guide\n\nSchizophrenia Guide\n\n- [Overview](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-8597724)\n- [Types](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-schizophrenia-5094170)\n- [Early Signs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091)\n- [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221)\n# Early Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia\nBy [Ruth Edwards](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ruth-edwards-5086015)\n\nUpdated on March 22, 2026\n\nMedically reviewed by  [Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/geralyn-dexter-5193744)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Early Warning Signs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-early-warning-signs-of-schizophrenia)\n- [Signs by Age](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-schizophrenia-warning-signs-by-age)\n- [When Symptoms Start](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-when-schizophrenia-symptoms-start)\n- [Causes and Risk Factors](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-causes-and-risk-factors)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-complications)\n- [When to See a Provider](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider)\n- Next in Schizophrenia Guide\n  [Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091)\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can start with subtle signs like social withdrawal and strange behavior.\n- Early symptoms of schizophrenia can look like other mental health conditions, making it hard to diagnose.\n- Recognizing early warning signs and getting help from a healthcare provider is important for managing schizophrenia.\n\n[Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-8597724) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include:\n\n- **Young children:** Delayed development\n- **Older kids and teens:** Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing\n- **Adults:** Restlessness, anxiety, low energy, not taking care of oneself (e.g., personal hygiene), decrease in work performance, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal\n\nIt is estimated that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of adults worldwide.\n\nSchizophrenia usually develops slowly, with early warning signs starting before the first severe episode. Knowing these warning signs can help a healthcare provider diagnose schizophrenia sooner and make sure that a person living with the condition gets the care and support that they need.\n\n![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo]()\n\n![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/r4D52QXvs5LB_04snoQomHXqT5Q=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-900247162-6a31fd6faed94e88a6d140db4d647f78.jpg)\n\nWestend61 \/ Getty images\n## Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia\nThe time during which the early warning signs of schizophrenia are experienced is called the [prodromal stage](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prodromal-schizophrenia-5194244). The onset of schizophrenia can last from months to years. The first signs of schizophrenia can be different depending on how old a person is when the disorder develops.\n\nThe age at which someone develops schizophrenia is thought to influence the symptoms they will have. Even though men and women have roughly similar rates of schizophrenia, they tend to develop the condition at slightly different ages.\n\n### Positive Signs\nPositive symptoms can be the first signs of schizophrenia. In mental health terms, \"positive\" means these symptoms are present, not that they are beneficial.\n\nFor instance, someone with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, while someone without the condition would not.\n\nEarly positive symptoms might worsen before a severe episode of [psychosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia-5095195). These warning signs include:\n\n- Confusing speech\n- Strange and\/or intense thoughts and feelings\n- New difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating\n- Suspiciousness of or uneasiness with others (paranoia)\n- Trouble telling reality from fantasy, seeing and\/or hearing things that are not there (delusions\/hallucinations)\n\nThese early warning signs might continue and could worsen, especially without diagnosis and treatment.\n\n### Negative Signs\nNegative symptoms of schizophrenia tend to develop later. \"Negative\" means these traits are absent or reduced.\n\nPeople with schizophrenia often show fewer typical behaviors, such as the ability to feel pleasure or engage in conversation.\n\nExamples of negative symptoms include:\n\n- Limited talking or no talking\n- Having no feelings (flat affect)\n- Spending a lot more time alone than usual (withdrawing socially)\n- Lack of initiative (for example, not completing tasks at home, work, or school)\n- Decline in self-care or personal hygiene\n- Being unable to feel pleasure\n## Schizophrenia Warning Signs by Age\nSchizophrenia can vary from person to person, as individuals may not experience all positive or negative symptoms. The condition can also present differently based on the age when it develops.\n\n### In Young Children\nPeople who are diagnosed with [schizophrenia in childhood](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) have more developmental delays than people who are diagnosed later in life.\n\nVery early developmental warning signs of schizophrenia include:\n\n- **Delayed motor development** (such as not walking until over 18 months old)\n- **Delayed speech and\/or language development** (such as not speaking meaningful two- or three-word phrases until over 36 months old)\n- **Impaired social development at an early age** (such as not using gestures to communicate or failing to regulate facial expressions)\n\nIt is important to note that these delays are not always a sign of schizophrenia. There are also other reasons a child may have delays, so it’s important to have them evaluated by their provider.\n\n### In Teenagers\nBefore the onset of schizophrenia, adolescents often develop changes in behavior. They are likely to end up struggling in school—one of the most common issues reported in teens diagnosed with schizophrenia.\n\nEarly warning signs of schizophrenia in teens include:\n\n- Difficulty concentrating and paying attention\n- Unexplained functional decline\n- Increased introversion\n- Loneliness\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/clinical-depression-7643137)\n- Aggression\n- Suicidal ideation\n- Theft\n- Bizarre behaviors\n\nIt is hard to diagnose schizophrenia in adolescents because many of the features of the condition are also common during normal childhood development. For example, a normal part of childhood is having vivid imaginations and fantasies. However, these can be misunderstood to be hallucinations—a symptom of schizophrenia.\n\nIt is thought that children might be less likely to have paranoid delusions (the belief that others are out to harm them) than people who develop schizophrenia at an older age.\n\n![Early Signs of Schizophrenia in Young Adulthood]()\n\n![Early Signs of Schizophrenia in Young Adulthood](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/NHwZM_dA2nTHugTa0a7zyqmA4xk=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519_final-6861147c5e4e4a09956011952057ba72.jpg)\n\nEllen Lindner \/ Verywell\n### In Early Adulthood\nSchizophrenia typically develops during early adulthood. Its onset is characterized by changes in behavior and a deterioration in functioning in daily life.\n\nThe most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include:\n\n- Nervousness and\/or restlessness\n- Depression\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-attack-5088600)\n- Difficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating\n- Worrying\n- Lack of self-confidence\n- Lack of energy and\/or slowness\n- A worrying drop in grades or job performance\n- Social withdrawal and\/or uneasiness around other people\n\n### What Are Prodromal Symptoms in Schizophrenia?\nSome, but not all, people with schizophrenia experience a prodromal stage before the full-blown disorder happens. The prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia can be somewhat nonspecific and include feeling nervous, anxious, depressed, and having trouble concentrating. It can be hard to tell that these symptoms will ultimately be related to schizophrenia since they are also common in other mental and physical health disorders.\n\nNot everyone will experience these early warning signs at the same time in their lives. According to some studies, these prodromal symptoms can be present for years.\n### Over the Age of 45\nMost early warning signs of schizophrenia for people over the age of 45 are the same as those for people who develop schizophrenia at a younger age.\n\nSome scientists think that people who develop schizophrenia later in life will have fewer disorganized thinking and negative symptoms than people who develop it earlier.\n\nIn the past, studies suggested that people who develop schizophrenia later in life may not have the same symptoms as people diagnosed earlier. However, more recent research suggests that the key features of schizophrenia—like negative symptoms—are often similar for people who are diagnosed at an older age compared to those who are diagnosed younger.\n\n## When Schizophrenia Symptoms Start\nSymptoms usually start to develop in early adulthood, between late adolescence and the early 30s. The disorder typically becomes evident slightly earlier in men than it does in women. The symptoms of schizophrenia often show up between late adolescence and the early 20s in men and between the early 20s and the early 30s in women.\n\n### Early Onset Schizophrenia\nWhen the disorder is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is referred to as early onset schizophrenia (EOS). EOS is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.23%. Even more rarely, schizophrenia can develop in very young children. This is called childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and it is diagnosed before the age of 13.\n\nAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 40,000 children will have COS. It is thought to be extremely uncommon that COS will develop before the age of 10.\n\n### Late-Onset Schizophrenia\nAlthough schizophrenia most commonly starts between late adolescence and the early 30s, it is estimated that up to 20% of patients first have symptoms after the age of 40 years old. Some scientists have identified this as a subtype of schizophrenia called late-onset schizophrenia (LOS).\n\nWomen are more likely to be in this group than men. The symptoms typically develop in [menopause](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/menopause-4014690), between ages 44 and 49 years old. However, it is still more common for schizophrenia to develop in early adulthood than at this time in life.\n\n## Causes and Risk Factors\nSince a lot of the early signs of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions (like depression and anxiety), it’s important to understand why some people develop schizophrenia.\n\nWhile the exact [cause](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) of schizophrenia is not known, there are a few risk factors that researchers think make a person more likely to develop it.\n\nSchizophrenia has a strong genetic component and is highly heritable. Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disease.\n\nThese risk factors will be taken into account regarding a [diagnosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221) if you are thought to be experiencing these early warning signs of schizophrenia.\n\nFor example, genetics, brain structure and function, and the environment a person grew up in (e.g., exposure to poverty, stress, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies) can all influence whether a person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime.\n\n## Complications\nIn the early stages of schizophrenia, the disorder can be confused with other common mental health conditions, like depression. It can be hard even for providers to tell them apart since most common early warning signs for schizophrenia are also among the most common initial symptoms for moderate to severe depression.\n\nIt is not until the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and speech) of schizophrenia show up that it gets easier to tell apart from other mental health conditions.\n\nGetting the correct diagnosis and connecting people with support and treatment is crucial to keep them safe and help them manage life with the condition.\n\nPeople are at risk for suicidal thoughts and may act on those thoughts. The risk of suicide for people living with schizophrenia is higher for men and people who were diagnosed at a young age.\n\nDepression has been identified as a major risk factor for suicide among people living with schizophrenia. Having other mental health concerns, like substance use disorder, also increases the risk of suicide among people living with schizophrenia.\n\nIf you or your loved one is thinking of or talking about harming themselves, contact someone who can help right away. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline)](https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/) at 800-237-8255.\n\nIf you require immediate emergency care, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.\n## When to See a Healthcare Provider\nSchizophrenia usually develops gradually, so it can be hard to pinpoint when changes in behavior start or whether they are something to worry about. In general, if you recognize that you’re having a pattern of concerning behaviors, take it as a sign that you need to talk to a provider about what you’re going through.\n\nIf you are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia at each age, you may be more likely to spot them early. While these changes might not be concerning by themselves, if you or a loved one are having several of them, talk to a mental health professional. Keep in mind that it can be difficult for people to get help—especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as [paranoia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/paranoid-delusions-5095908).\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-5079153)\n- [Psychotic Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychotic-disorders-5205105)\n\n18 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. World Health Organization. [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/schizophrenia).\n2. Catts SV, O'Toole BI. [The treatment of schizophrenia: Can we raise the standard of care?](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0004867416672725) *Aust N Z J Psychiatry*. 2016;50(12):1128-1138. doi:10.1177\/0004867416672725\n3. Coulon N, Godin O, Bulzacka E, et al. [Early and very early‐onset schizophrenia compared with adult‐onset schizophrenia: French FACE‐SZ database.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/brb3.1495) *Brain Behav*. 2020;10(2). doi:10.1002\/brb3.1495\n4. Ruiz-Castañeda P, Santiago Molina E, Aguirre Loaiza H, Daza González MT. [Positive symptoms of schizophrenia and their relationship with cognitive and emotional executive functions](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186%2Fs41235-022-00428-z). *Cogn Res Princ Implic*. 2022;7(1):78. doi:10.1186\/s41235-022-00428-z\n5. National Institute of Mental Health. [Understanding psychosis](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/understanding-psychosis).\n6. American Psychiatric Association. [What is schizophrenia?](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/schizophrenia\/what-is-schizophrenia).\n7. Patel KR, Cherian J, Gohil K, Atkinson D. [Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4159061\/). *P T*. 2014;39(9):638-645.\n8. Parellada M, Gomez-Vallejo S, Burdeus M, Arango C. [Developmental differences between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/schbul\/sbx126). *Schizophr Bull*. 2017;43(6):1176-1189. doi:10.1093\/schbul\/sbx126\n9. Bartlett J. [Childhood-onset schizophrenia: what do we really know?](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/21642850.2014.927738). *Health Psychol Behav Med*. 2014;2(1):735-747. doi:10.1080\/21642850.2014.927738\n10. McClellan J, Stock S; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Committee on Quality Issues. [Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jaac.2013.02.008). *J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry*. 2013;52(9):976-990. doi:10.1016\/j.jaac.2013.02.008\n11. Häfner H. [From onset and prodromal stage to a life-long course of schizophrenia and its symptom dimensions: how sex, age, and other risk factors influence incidence and course of illness](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1155\/2019\/9804836). *Psychiatry J*. 2019;2019:9804836. doi:10.1155\/2019\/9804836\n12. Häfner H. [The concept of schizophrenia: from unity to diversity](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1155\/2014\/929434). *Adv Psychiatry*. 2014;2014. doi:10.1155\/2014\/929434\n13. George M, Maheshwari S, Chandran S, Manohar JS, Sathyanarayana Rao TS. [Understanding the schizophrenia prodrome](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/indianjpsychiatry\/fulltext\/2017\/59040\/understanding_the_schizophrenia_prodrome.19.aspx). *Indian J Psychiatry*. 2017;59(4):505-509. doi:10.4103\/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry\\_464\\_17\n14. Maglione JE, Thomas SE, Jeste DV. [Late-onset schizophrenia: do recent studies support categorizing LOS as a subtype of schizophrenia?](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097%2FYCO.0000000000000049). *Curr Opin Psychiatry*. 2014;27(3):173-178. doi:10.1097\/YCO.0000000000000049\n15. National Institute of Mental Health. [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/schizophrenia).\n16. Petruzzelli MG, Margari L, Bosco A, Craig F, Palumbi R, Margari F. [Early onset first episode psychosis: dimensional structure of symptoms, clinical subtypes and related neurodevelopmental markers](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00787-017-1026-7). *Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry*. 2018;27(2):171-179. doi:10.1007\/s00787-017-1026-7\n17. Driver DI, Gogtay N, Rapoport JL. [Childhood onset schizophrenia and early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016%2Fj.chc.2013.04.001). *Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am*. 2013;22(4):539-555. doi:10.1016\/j.chc.2013.04.001\n18. Sher L, Kahn RS. [Suicide in schizophrenia: An educational overview](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390%2Fmedicina55070361). *Medicina (Kaunas)*. 2019;55(7):361. doi:10.3390\/medicina55070361\n\n![Ruth Edwards headshot]()\n\n![Ruth Edwards headshot](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/SQyXbo6cYv3WLLMkskhvJvQnFeo=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/IMG_94161-14545e38fe094b90b5fd5d9172a6ade7.jpg)\n\nBy [Ruth Edwards](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ruth-edwards-5086015)   \n Ruth is a journalist with experience covering a wide range of health and medical issues. As a BBC news producer, she investigated issues such as the growing mental health crisis among young people in the UK.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n\n[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nMore In\n\nSchizophrenia Guide\n\n- [![Woman sitting on a couch]() ![Woman sitting on a couch](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/RbGw_jP9f1jpOD26ZN7KyJy630g=\/260x156\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1194601644-55964f1e2c56488888cec7c1b560e101.jpg) Schizophrenia: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment 1 of 5 Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-8597724)\n- [![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.]() ![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/kJBbZ103TW5qzcjNqKl2OXBwTNU=\/260x156\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-643310558-27784a5cf1fe4abda1c0bcfe6de68737.jpg) What Are the Subtypes of Schizophrenia? 2 of 5 Medically reviewed by Michael MacIntyre, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-schizophrenia-5094170)\n- [![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo]() ![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/Uij1Ce0FRD-6vohvvcWyQb6cRW8=\/260x156\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-900247162-6a31fd6faed94e88a6d140db4d647f78.jpg) Early Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia 3 of 5 Medically reviewed by Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519)\n- [![A person looking out a window on rainy day]() ![A person looking out a window on rainy day](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/f5EENw8GOURRw9p4K5wQe_hyMYk=\/260x156\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/schizophrenia-GettyImages-1171712946-566353ea24614b57a4ae27bf6657bffe.jpg) Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms: What to Know 4 of 5 Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091)\n- [![Doctor talking to patient and taking notes]() ![Doctor talking to patient and taking notes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/hLGwO1ROFN3uMTBjeuSGtobIv3U=\/260x156\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1649273785-d5b9a3c51c324566bd462c26e4bc8194.jpg) How Schizophrenia Is Officially Diagnosed 5 of 5 Medically reviewed by Michael MacIntyre, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221)\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[![A person looking out a window on rainy day]() ![A person looking out a window on rainy day](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/Zj3cyEEm__8tv8d_VeyJmpILOt4=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/schizophrenia-GettyImages-1171712946-566353ea24614b57a4ae27bf6657bffe.jpg) Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091)\n\n[![Man sitting on floor with the lights off. ]() ![Man sitting on floor with the lights off. ](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/4COOWzgDDn9PnxeYBK8c4H4zaQM=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-869634564-029ffb1c0dde47788a6493d318bb85dd.jpg) Key Differences Between Psychosis and Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia-5095195)\n\n[![man with schizophrenia ]() ![man with schizophrenia ](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/96UYDxQsd3iJo3Gd1ar14Qy5jc0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-529513249-9d632904551647a6909fbf79f1bc9840.jpg) What Is Undifferentiated Schizophrenia?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/undifferentiated-schizophrenia-5095937)\n\n[![A man peeking outdoors through the blinds of a darkened room]() ![A man peeking outdoors through the blinds of a darkened room](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/OxIWJ7ykIXTwbZ2ab3kFmrAFjcA=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-138546114-ff57f620916343cd9cff522642d1d187.jpg) What Are Paranoid Delusions, and How Are They Treated?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/paranoid-delusions-5095908)\n\n[![Brain]() ![Brain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/gAi78dxQ0DHl7A0PMOC_sXpLguc=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1191709896-31537c37fb7d4a5087dcb4094d7d814f.jpg) Signs of Disorganized Schizophrenia and Treatments](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138)\n\n[![Child with pica eats dirt or nonfood items]() ![Child with pica eats dirt or nonfood items](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/gIyicnBTDXkMxe7pP-YmOsA1qmA=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-6410-001197-7370838c0f9545cd802d44a5c4324513.jpg) Pica: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/pica-5083875)\n\n[![Social Anhedonia]() ![Social Anhedonia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/q7YBfDMXTR16f1qIGR-Y2tVphis=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/anhedonia-definition-5189496-notext-642770429f6f4be29f8aebef17c7992f.png) Anhedonia Causes and Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anhedonia-definition-5189496)\n\n[![A male doctor discusses a prescription medication with a female patient. The doctor is holding the medication.]() ![A male doctor discusses a prescription medication with a female patient. The doctor is holding the medication.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/A-8HGSRUj21h_A1vqdobvI03XeE=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-973287086-e9e3d3d4c2274a888d6f46fcc7a3cf99.jpg) SSRIs vs. SNRIs: How They Work](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ssris-vs-snris-5193051)\n\n[![Person lying on stomach in bed at home with blank stare]() ![Person lying on stomach in bed at home with blank stare](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/tpIYbJfy9uvma0BTjObtIu8JhhE=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/avolition-GettyImages-1421877961-9fd52cc155274fc29043cfcb83d52d44.jpg) What Is Avolition? Signs, Examples, and Treatment Options](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/avolition-7372513)\n\n[![NPD vs HPD]() ![NPD vs HPD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/sc6VjG6tAe9eFn5jtn_17Meuzog=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/NPDvsHPD-4af8e6e2044e4b44b060fd1bafd3a2bd.jpg) Histrionic vs. Narcissistic Disorders: Key Traits and Differences](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/histrionic-vs-narcissistic-personality-disorder-5215359)\n\n[![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.]() ![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/hHkxUUm2xejiBZBNp-RxN95oI7I=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-643310558-27784a5cf1fe4abda1c0bcfe6de68737.jpg) What Are the Different Types of Schizophrenia?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-schizophrenia-5094170)\n\n[![Sad woman leaning on bed]() ![Sad woman leaning on bed](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/7EpP_WPDqWAwBOMpXhweOEmc8ok=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/abandonment-43e5b37126194b2aa668879555b1992e.jpg) How to Tell if You Have Abandonment Issues](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/abandonment-trauma-5211575)\n\n[![How Selective Mutism Affects Adults]() ![How Selective Mutism Affects Adults](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/itXDT34W9HTR7uzyOVvN3O0c0V0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/How-Selective-Mutism-Affects-Adults-WEB-notext-FINAL-1-bbe13772e9b949178d3512ceb0cfbbcf.jpg) How Selective Mutism Affects Adults](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/selective-mutism-in-adults-8631321)\n\n[![Woman at therapy group]() ![Woman at therapy group](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/BA04EphMPo8Q-zEdmWba7fdECl4=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1322669194-3345a5d32f3949d9854fef802621d5b7.jpg) What Is a Psychopath?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychopath-5235293)\n\n[![Woman holds hugs herself and stares off to her left with gray background]() ![Woman holds hugs herself and stares off to her left with gray background](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/_GvA34ACuyD3YS6i3__hx8NQ-EI=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-10935098241-fe0045c7d18b492dbabef90001f6e08e.jpg) Types of Psychosis and Their Causes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/different-types-of-psychosis-5095671)\n\n[![Mother holding upset boy]() ![Mother holding upset boy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/zNZhA_XMCvmIEqn8B7xf7eDF06I=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1318656634-96bc7f1bd3784c0db8dd88843877ab83.jpg) Managing ADHD and ODD When They Occur Together](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/tips-for-managing-adhd-and-odd-in-kids-and-adults-5207996)\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n- [Health Care](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n\n- [Meet Our Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [In the News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/in-the-news-4778971)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305#toc-contact-us)\n\nFollow Us\n\nVerywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can start with subtle signs like social withdrawal and strange behavior.\n- Early symptoms of schizophrenia can look like other mental health conditions, making it hard to diagnose.\n- Recognizing early warning signs and getting help from a healthcare provider is important for managing schizophrenia.\n\n[Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-8597724) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include:\n\n- **Young children:** Delayed development\n- **Older kids and teens:** Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing\n- **Adults:** Restlessness, anxiety, low energy, not taking care of oneself (e.g., personal hygiene), decrease in work performance, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal\n\nIt is estimated that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of adults worldwide.\n\nSchizophrenia usually develops slowly, with early warning signs starting before the first severe episode. Knowing these warning signs can help a healthcare provider diagnose schizophrenia sooner and make sure that a person living with the condition gets the care and support that they need.\n\nWestend61 \/ Getty images\n\n## Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia\nThe time during which the early warning signs of schizophrenia are experienced is called the [prodromal stage](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prodromal-schizophrenia-5194244). The onset of schizophrenia can last from months to years. The first signs of schizophrenia can be different depending on how old a person is when the disorder develops.\n\nThe age at which someone develops schizophrenia is thought to influence the symptoms they will have. Even though men and women have roughly similar rates of schizophrenia, they tend to develop the condition at slightly different ages.\n\n### Positive Signs\nPositive symptoms can be the first signs of schizophrenia. In mental health terms, \"positive\" means these symptoms are present, not that they are beneficial.\n\nFor instance, someone with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, while someone without the condition would not.\n\nEarly positive symptoms might worsen before a severe episode of [psychosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia-5095195). These warning signs include:\n\n- Confusing speech\n- Strange and\/or intense thoughts and feelings\n- New difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating\n- Suspiciousness of or uneasiness with others (paranoia)\n- Trouble telling reality from fantasy, seeing and\/or hearing things that are not there (delusions\/hallucinations)\n\nThese early warning signs might continue and could worsen, especially without diagnosis and treatment.\n\n### Negative Signs\nNegative symptoms of schizophrenia tend to develop later. \"Negative\" means these traits are absent or reduced.\n\nPeople with schizophrenia often show fewer typical behaviors, such as the ability to feel pleasure or engage in conversation.\n\nExamples of negative symptoms include:\n\n- Limited talking or no talking\n- Having no feelings (flat affect)\n- Spending a lot more time alone than usual (withdrawing socially)\n- Lack of initiative (for example, not completing tasks at home, work, or school)\n- Decline in self-care or personal hygiene\n- Being unable to feel pleasure\n## Schizophrenia Warning Signs by Age\nSchizophrenia can vary from person to person, as individuals may not experience all positive or negative symptoms. The condition can also present differently based on the age when it develops.\n\n### In Young Children\nPeople who are diagnosed with [schizophrenia in childhood](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) have more developmental delays than people who are diagnosed later in life.\n\nVery early developmental warning signs of schizophrenia include:\n\n- **Delayed motor development** (such as not walking until over 18 months old)\n- **Delayed speech and\/or language development** (such as not speaking meaningful two- or three-word phrases until over 36 months old)\n- **Impaired social development at an early age** (such as not using gestures to communicate or failing to regulate facial expressions)\n\nIt is important to note that these delays are not always a sign of schizophrenia. There are also other reasons a child may have delays, so it’s important to have them evaluated by their provider.\n\n### In Teenagers\nBefore the onset of schizophrenia, adolescents often develop changes in behavior. They are likely to end up struggling in school—one of the most common issues reported in teens diagnosed with schizophrenia.\n\nEarly warning signs of schizophrenia in teens include:\n\n- Difficulty concentrating and paying attention\n- Unexplained functional decline\n- Increased introversion\n- Loneliness\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/clinical-depression-7643137)\n- Aggression\n- Suicidal ideation\n- Theft\n- Bizarre behaviors\n\nIt is hard to diagnose schizophrenia in adolescents because many of the features of the condition are also common during normal childhood development. For example, a normal part of childhood is having vivid imaginations and fantasies. However, these can be misunderstood to be hallucinations—a symptom of schizophrenia.\n\nIt is thought that children might be less likely to have paranoid delusions (the belief that others are out to harm them) than people who develop schizophrenia at an older age.\n\nEllen Lindner \/ Verywell\n\n### In Early Adulthood\nSchizophrenia typically develops during early adulthood. Its onset is characterized by changes in behavior and a deterioration in functioning in daily life.\n\nThe most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include:\n\n- Nervousness and\/or restlessness\n- Depression\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-attack-5088600)\n- Difficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating\n- Worrying\n- Lack of self-confidence\n- Lack of energy and\/or slowness\n- A worrying drop in grades or job performance\n- Social withdrawal and\/or uneasiness around other people\n\n### What Are Prodromal Symptoms in Schizophrenia?\nSome, but not all, people with schizophrenia experience a prodromal stage before the full-blown disorder happens. The prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia can be somewhat nonspecific and include feeling nervous, anxious, depressed, and having trouble concentrating. It can be hard to tell that these symptoms will ultimately be related to schizophrenia since they are also common in other mental and physical health disorders.\n\nNot everyone will experience these early warning signs at the same time in their lives. According to some studies, these prodromal symptoms can be present for years.\n### Over the Age of 45\nMost early warning signs of schizophrenia for people over the age of 45 are the same as those for people who develop schizophrenia at a younger age.\n\nSome scientists think that people who develop schizophrenia later in life will have fewer disorganized thinking and negative symptoms than people who develop it earlier.\n\nIn the past, studies suggested that people who develop schizophrenia later in life may not have the same symptoms as people diagnosed earlier. However, more recent research suggests that the key features of schizophrenia—like negative symptoms—are often similar for people who are diagnosed at an older age compared to those who are diagnosed younger.\n\n## When Schizophrenia Symptoms Start\nSymptoms usually start to develop in early adulthood, between late adolescence and the early 30s. The disorder typically becomes evident slightly earlier in men than it does in women. The symptoms of schizophrenia often show up between late adolescence and the early 20s in men and between the early 20s and the early 30s in women.\n\n### Early Onset Schizophrenia\nWhen the disorder is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is referred to as early onset schizophrenia (EOS). EOS is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.23%. Even more rarely, schizophrenia can develop in very young children. This is called childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and it is diagnosed before the age of 13.\n\nAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 40,000 children will have COS. It is thought to be extremely uncommon that COS will develop before the age of 10.\n\n### Late-Onset Schizophrenia\nAlthough schizophrenia most commonly starts between late adolescence and the early 30s, it is estimated that up to 20% of patients first have symptoms after the age of 40 years old. Some scientists have identified this as a subtype of schizophrenia called late-onset schizophrenia (LOS).\n\nWomen are more likely to be in this group than men. The symptoms typically develop in [menopause](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/menopause-4014690), between ages 44 and 49 years old. However, it is still more common for schizophrenia to develop in early adulthood than at this time in life.\n\n## Causes and Risk Factors\nSince a lot of the early signs of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions (like depression and anxiety), it’s important to understand why some people develop schizophrenia.\n\nWhile the exact [cause](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) of schizophrenia is not known, there are a few risk factors that researchers think make a person more likely to develop it.\n\nSchizophrenia has a strong genetic component and is highly heritable. Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disease.\n\nThese risk factors will be taken into account regarding a [diagnosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221) if you are thought to be experiencing these early warning signs of schizophrenia.\n\nFor example, genetics, brain structure and function, and the environment a person grew up in (e.g., exposure to poverty, stress, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies) can all influence whether a person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime.\n\n## Complications\nIn the early stages of schizophrenia, the disorder can be confused with other common mental health conditions, like depression. It can be hard even for providers to tell them apart since most common early warning signs for schizophrenia are also among the most common initial symptoms for moderate to severe depression.\n\nIt is not until the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and speech) of schizophrenia show up that it gets easier to tell apart from other mental health conditions.\n\nGetting the correct diagnosis and connecting people with support and treatment is crucial to keep them safe and help them manage life with the condition.\n\nPeople are at risk for suicidal thoughts and may act on those thoughts. The risk of suicide for people living with schizophrenia is higher for men and people who were diagnosed at a young age.\n\nDepression has been identified as a major risk factor for suicide among people living with schizophrenia. Having other mental health concerns, like substance use disorder, also increases the risk of suicide among people living with schizophrenia.\n\nIf you or your loved one is thinking of or talking about harming themselves, contact someone who can help right away. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline)](https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/) at 800-237-8255.\n\nIf you require immediate emergency care, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.\n## When to See a Healthcare Provider\nSchizophrenia usually develops gradually, so it can be hard to pinpoint when changes in behavior start or whether they are something to worry about. In general, if you recognize that you’re having a pattern of concerning behaviors, take it as a sign that you need to talk to a provider about what you’re going through.\n\nIf you are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia at each age, you may be more likely to spot them early. While these changes might not be concerning by themselves, if you or a loved one are having several of them, talk to a mental health professional. Keep in mind that it can be difficult for people to get help—especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as [paranoia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/paranoid-delusions-5095908).","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Health\":998,\"\/Health\/Mental_Health\":980,\"\/Health\/Mental_Health\/Other\":931}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":999,\"\/Article\/Definitions\":488}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1612727304,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"2881","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"1781","body_ext_links_number":45,"body_int_links_number":75,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":1,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":215,"download_ttfb_msec":162,"download_size":58842}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

9 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.3 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property

Value

URL

https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519

Last Crawled

2026-04-14 23:57:29 (9 days ago)

First Indexed

2021-02-07 19:48:24 (5 years ago)

HTTP Status Code

200

Content

Meta Title

Early Signs of Schizophrenia in Kids, Teens, and Adults

Meta Description

The first signs of schizophrenia are often subtle and look like other conditions. Learn how to recognize them in children, teens, and adults.

Meta Canonical

null

Boilerpipe Text

Key Takeaways Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can start with subtle signs like social withdrawal and strange behavior. Early symptoms of schizophrenia can look like other mental health conditions, making it hard to diagnose. Recognizing early warning signs and getting help from a healthcare provider is important for managing schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include: Young children: Delayed development Older kids and teens: Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing Adults: Restlessness, anxiety, low energy, not taking care of oneself (e.g., personal hygiene), decrease in work performance, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal It is estimated that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of adults worldwide. Schizophrenia usually develops slowly, with early warning signs starting before the first severe episode. Knowing these warning signs can help a healthcare provider diagnose schizophrenia sooner and make sure that a person living with the condition gets the care and support that they need. Westend61 / Getty images Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia The time during which the early warning signs of schizophrenia are experienced is called the prodromal stage . The onset of schizophrenia can last from months to years. The first signs of schizophrenia can be different depending on how old a person is when the disorder develops. The age at which someone develops schizophrenia is thought to influence the symptoms they will have. Even though men and women have roughly similar rates of schizophrenia, they tend to develop the condition at slightly different ages. Positive Signs Positive symptoms can be the first signs of schizophrenia. In mental health terms, "positive" means these symptoms are present, not that they are beneficial. For instance, someone with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, while someone without the condition would not. Early positive symptoms might worsen before a severe episode of psychosis . These warning signs include: Confusing speech Strange and/or intense thoughts and feelings New difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating Suspiciousness of or uneasiness with others (paranoia) Trouble telling reality from fantasy, seeing and/or hearing things that are not there (delusions/hallucinations) These early warning signs might continue and could worsen, especially without diagnosis and treatment. Negative Signs Negative symptoms of schizophrenia tend to develop later. "Negative" means these traits are absent or reduced. People with schizophrenia often show fewer typical behaviors, such as the ability to feel pleasure or engage in conversation. Examples of negative symptoms include: Limited talking or no talking Having no feelings (flat affect) Spending a lot more time alone than usual (withdrawing socially) Lack of initiative (for example, not completing tasks at home, work, or school) Decline in self-care or personal hygiene Being unable to feel pleasure Schizophrenia Warning Signs by Age Schizophrenia can vary from person to person, as individuals may not experience all positive or negative symptoms. The condition can also present differently based on the age when it develops. In Young Children People who are diagnosed with schizophrenia in childhood have more developmental delays than people who are diagnosed later in life. Very early developmental warning signs of schizophrenia include: Delayed motor development (such as not walking until over 18 months old) Delayed speech and/or language development (such as not speaking meaningful two- or three-word phrases until over 36 months old) Impaired social development at an early age (such as not using gestures to communicate or failing to regulate facial expressions) It is important to note that these delays are not always a sign of schizophrenia. There are also other reasons a child may have delays, so it’s important to have them evaluated by their provider. In Teenagers Before the onset of schizophrenia, adolescents often develop changes in behavior. They are likely to end up struggling in school—one of the most common issues reported in teens diagnosed with schizophrenia. Early warning signs of schizophrenia in teens include: Difficulty concentrating and paying attention Unexplained functional decline Increased introversion Loneliness Depression Aggression Suicidal ideation Theft Bizarre behaviors It is hard to diagnose schizophrenia in adolescents because many of the features of the condition are also common during normal childhood development. For example, a normal part of childhood is having vivid imaginations and fantasies. However, these can be misunderstood to be hallucinations—a symptom of schizophrenia. It is thought that children might be less likely to have paranoid delusions (the belief that others are out to harm them) than people who develop schizophrenia at an older age. Ellen Lindner / Verywell In Early Adulthood Schizophrenia typically develops during early adulthood. Its onset is characterized by changes in behavior and a deterioration in functioning in daily life. The most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include: Nervousness and/or restlessness Depression Anxiety Difficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating Worrying Lack of self-confidence Lack of energy and/or slowness A worrying drop in grades or job performance Social withdrawal and/or uneasiness around other people What Are Prodromal Symptoms in Schizophrenia? Some, but not all, people with schizophrenia experience a prodromal stage before the full-blown disorder happens. The prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia can be somewhat nonspecific and include feeling nervous, anxious, depressed, and having trouble concentrating. It can be hard to tell that these symptoms will ultimately be related to schizophrenia since they are also common in other mental and physical health disorders. Not everyone will experience these early warning signs at the same time in their lives. According to some studies, these prodromal symptoms can be present for years. Over the Age of 45 Most early warning signs of schizophrenia for people over the age of 45 are the same as those for people who develop schizophrenia at a younger age. Some scientists think that people who develop schizophrenia later in life will have fewer disorganized thinking and negative symptoms than people who develop it earlier. In the past, studies suggested that people who develop schizophrenia later in life may not have the same symptoms as people diagnosed earlier. However, more recent research suggests that the key features of schizophrenia—like negative symptoms—are often similar for people who are diagnosed at an older age compared to those who are diagnosed younger. When Schizophrenia Symptoms Start Symptoms usually start to develop in early adulthood, between late adolescence and the early 30s. The disorder typically becomes evident slightly earlier in men than it does in women. The symptoms of schizophrenia often show up between late adolescence and the early 20s in men and between the early 20s and the early 30s in women. Early Onset Schizophrenia When the disorder is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is referred to as early onset schizophrenia (EOS). EOS is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.23%. Even more rarely, schizophrenia can develop in very young children. This is called childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and it is diagnosed before the age of 13. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 40,000 children will have COS. It is thought to be extremely uncommon that COS will develop before the age of 10. Late-Onset Schizophrenia Although schizophrenia most commonly starts between late adolescence and the early 30s, it is estimated that up to 20% of patients first have symptoms after the age of 40 years old. Some scientists have identified this as a subtype of schizophrenia called late-onset schizophrenia (LOS). Women are more likely to be in this group than men. The symptoms typically develop in menopause , between ages 44 and 49 years old. However, it is still more common for schizophrenia to develop in early adulthood than at this time in life. Causes and Risk Factors Since a lot of the early signs of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions (like depression and anxiety), it’s important to understand why some people develop schizophrenia. While the exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, there are a few risk factors that researchers think make a person more likely to develop it. Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component and is highly heritable. Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors will be taken into account regarding a diagnosis if you are thought to be experiencing these early warning signs of schizophrenia. For example, genetics, brain structure and function, and the environment a person grew up in (e.g., exposure to poverty, stress, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies) can all influence whether a person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime. Complications In the early stages of schizophrenia, the disorder can be confused with other common mental health conditions, like depression. It can be hard even for providers to tell them apart since most common early warning signs for schizophrenia are also among the most common initial symptoms for moderate to severe depression. It is not until the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and speech) of schizophrenia show up that it gets easier to tell apart from other mental health conditions. Getting the correct diagnosis and connecting people with support and treatment is crucial to keep them safe and help them manage life with the condition. People are at risk for suicidal thoughts and may act on those thoughts. The risk of suicide for people living with schizophrenia is higher for men and people who were diagnosed at a young age. Depression has been identified as a major risk factor for suicide among people living with schizophrenia. Having other mental health concerns, like substance use disorder, also increases the risk of suicide among people living with schizophrenia. If you or your loved one is thinking of or talking about harming themselves, contact someone who can help right away. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 800-237-8255. If you require immediate emergency care, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. When to See a Healthcare Provider Schizophrenia usually develops gradually, so it can be hard to pinpoint when changes in behavior start or whether they are something to worry about. In general, if you recognize that you’re having a pattern of concerning behaviors, take it as a sign that you need to talk to a provider about what you’re going through. If you are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia at each age, you may be more likely to spot them early. While these changes might not be concerning by themselves, if you or a loved one are having several of them, talk to a mental health professional. Keep in mind that it can be difficult for people to get help—especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as paranoia .

Markdown

[Skip to content](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#skip-to-content) Menu - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Colorectal Cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/colon-cancer-4014742) - [Arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/arthritis-overview-4582013) - [Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874) - [Digestive Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/digestive-health-4141198) - [Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925) - [Skin Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-health-4014649) - [View All](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Prevention & Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prevention-and-treatment-4158390) - [Diet & Nutrition](https://www.verywellhealth.com/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128) - [First Aid](https://www.verywellhealth.com/first-aid-4014723) - [Surgery](https://www.verywellhealth.com/surgery-overview-4581881) - [Health Care](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-care-4014769) - [Health Insurance](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-insurance-overview-4581967) - [Public Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/public-health-4158386) - [Patient Rights](https://www.verywellhealth.com/patient-rights-4014673) - [Disability](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disability-4014735) - [Caregivers & Loved Ones](https://www.verywellhealth.com/for-caregivers-and-loved-ones-4014749) - [End of Life Concerns](https://www.verywellhealth.com/end-of-life-overview-4581973) - [View All](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-care-4014769) - [News](https://www.verywellhealth.com/news-4846412) - [Health News](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-news-4844929) - [Studies & Guidelines](https://www.verywellhealth.com/studies-and-guidelines-11869035) - Tools & Resources - [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820) - [Doctor Discussion Guides](https://www.verywellhealth.com/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090) - [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852) - [Lipid Test Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856) - [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862) - [About Us](https://www.verywellhealth.com/about-us-5180305) - [Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) - [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Search - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Colorectal Cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/colon-cancer-4014742) - [Arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/arthritis-overview-4582013) - [Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874) - [Digestive Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/digestive-health-4141198) - [Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925) - [Skin Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-health-4014649) - [View All](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Prevention & Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prevention-and-treatment-4158390) - [Diet & Nutrition](https://www.verywellhealth.com/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128) - [First Aid](https://www.verywellhealth.com/first-aid-4014723) - [Surgery](https://www.verywellhealth.com/surgery-overview-4581881) - [View All](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prevention-and-treatment-4158390) - [Health Care](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-care-4014769) - [Health Insurance](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-insurance-overview-4581967) - [Public Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/public-health-4158386) - [Patient Rights](https://www.verywellhealth.com/patient-rights-4014673) - [Disability](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disability-4014735) - [Caregivers & Loved Ones](https://www.verywellhealth.com/for-caregivers-and-loved-ones-4014749) - [End of Life Concerns](https://www.verywellhealth.com/end-of-life-overview-4581973) - [View All](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-care-4014769) - [News](https://www.verywellhealth.com/news-4846412) - [Health News](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-news-4844929) - [Studies & Guidelines](https://www.verywellhealth.com/studies-and-guidelines-11869035) - [View All](https://www.verywellhealth.com/news-4846412) [More in Mental Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-5079153) - [Psychotic Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychotic-disorders-5205105) - [Mental Health Disorder Symptoms](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-disorders-symptoms-8646516) - [Autism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/autism-overview-4582004) - [ADHD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-8430762) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/bipolar-disorder-8431792) - [Depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/depression-8431794) - [OCD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ocd-related-disorders-8431799) - [Anxiety Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-disorders-5205106) - [Mood Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mood-disorders-5205099) - [Eating Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-disorders-5205104) - [Neurodevelopmental Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/neurodevelopmental-disorders-5205110) - [Therapy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/therapy-5205107) - [Personality Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/personality-disorders-5205101) - [Substance Use Disorder & Addiction](https://www.verywellhealth.com/substance-use-disorder-addiction-5205102) - [Psychology](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychology-8431801) - [Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/trauma-and-stressor-related-disorders-5205109) [View More](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-5079153) Tools & Resources - [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820) - [Doctor Discussion Guides](https://www.verywellhealth.com/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090) - [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852) - [Lipid Test Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856) - [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862) - [About Us](https://www.verywellhealth.com/about-us-5180305) - [Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) - [Medical Review Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved Schizophrenia Guide Schizophrenia Guide - [Overview](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-8597724) - [Types](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-schizophrenia-5094170) - [Early Signs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519) - [Symptoms](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091) - [Diagnosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221) # Early Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia By [Ruth Edwards](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ruth-edwards-5086015) Updated on March 22, 2026 Medically reviewed by [Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC](https://www.verywellhealth.com/geralyn-dexter-5193744) Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Early Warning Signs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-early-warning-signs-of-schizophrenia) - [Signs by Age](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-schizophrenia-warning-signs-by-age) - [When Symptoms Start](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-when-schizophrenia-symptoms-start) - [Causes and Risk Factors](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-causes-and-risk-factors) - [Complications](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-complications) - [When to See a Provider](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519#toc-when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider) - Next in Schizophrenia Guide [Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091) ### Key Takeaways - Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can start with subtle signs like social withdrawal and strange behavior. - Early symptoms of schizophrenia can look like other mental health conditions, making it hard to diagnose. - Recognizing early warning signs and getting help from a healthcare provider is important for managing schizophrenia. [Schizophrenia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-8597724) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include: - **Young children:** Delayed development - **Older kids and teens:** Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing - **Adults:** Restlessness, anxiety, low energy, not taking care of oneself (e.g., personal hygiene), decrease in work performance, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal It is estimated that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of adults worldwide. Schizophrenia usually develops slowly, with early warning signs starting before the first severe episode. Knowing these warning signs can help a healthcare provider diagnose schizophrenia sooner and make sure that a person living with the condition gets the care and support that they need. ![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo]() ![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/r4D52QXvs5LB_04snoQomHXqT5Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-900247162-6a31fd6faed94e88a6d140db4d647f78.jpg) Westend61 / Getty images ## Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia The time during which the early warning signs of schizophrenia are experienced is called the [prodromal stage](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prodromal-schizophrenia-5194244). The onset of schizophrenia can last from months to years. The first signs of schizophrenia can be different depending on how old a person is when the disorder develops. The age at which someone develops schizophrenia is thought to influence the symptoms they will have. Even though men and women have roughly similar rates of schizophrenia, they tend to develop the condition at slightly different ages. ### Positive Signs Positive symptoms can be the first signs of schizophrenia. In mental health terms, "positive" means these symptoms are present, not that they are beneficial. For instance, someone with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, while someone without the condition would not. Early positive symptoms might worsen before a severe episode of [psychosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia-5095195). These warning signs include: - Confusing speech - Strange and/or intense thoughts and feelings - New difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating - Suspiciousness of or uneasiness with others (paranoia) - Trouble telling reality from fantasy, seeing and/or hearing things that are not there (delusions/hallucinations) These early warning signs might continue and could worsen, especially without diagnosis and treatment. ### Negative Signs Negative symptoms of schizophrenia tend to develop later. "Negative" means these traits are absent or reduced. People with schizophrenia often show fewer typical behaviors, such as the ability to feel pleasure or engage in conversation. Examples of negative symptoms include: - Limited talking or no talking - Having no feelings (flat affect) - Spending a lot more time alone than usual (withdrawing socially) - Lack of initiative (for example, not completing tasks at home, work, or school) - Decline in self-care or personal hygiene - Being unable to feel pleasure ## Schizophrenia Warning Signs by Age Schizophrenia can vary from person to person, as individuals may not experience all positive or negative symptoms. The condition can also present differently based on the age when it develops. ### In Young Children People who are diagnosed with [schizophrenia in childhood](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) have more developmental delays than people who are diagnosed later in life. Very early developmental warning signs of schizophrenia include: - **Delayed motor development** (such as not walking until over 18 months old) - **Delayed speech and/or language development** (such as not speaking meaningful two- or three-word phrases until over 36 months old) - **Impaired social development at an early age** (such as not using gestures to communicate or failing to regulate facial expressions) It is important to note that these delays are not always a sign of schizophrenia. There are also other reasons a child may have delays, so it’s important to have them evaluated by their provider. ### In Teenagers Before the onset of schizophrenia, adolescents often develop changes in behavior. They are likely to end up struggling in school—one of the most common issues reported in teens diagnosed with schizophrenia. Early warning signs of schizophrenia in teens include: - Difficulty concentrating and paying attention - Unexplained functional decline - Increased introversion - Loneliness - [Depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/clinical-depression-7643137) - Aggression - Suicidal ideation - Theft - Bizarre behaviors It is hard to diagnose schizophrenia in adolescents because many of the features of the condition are also common during normal childhood development. For example, a normal part of childhood is having vivid imaginations and fantasies. However, these can be misunderstood to be hallucinations—a symptom of schizophrenia. It is thought that children might be less likely to have paranoid delusions (the belief that others are out to harm them) than people who develop schizophrenia at an older age. ![Early Signs of Schizophrenia in Young Adulthood]() ![Early Signs of Schizophrenia in Young Adulthood](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/NHwZM_dA2nTHugTa0a7zyqmA4xk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519_final-6861147c5e4e4a09956011952057ba72.jpg) Ellen Lindner / Verywell ### In Early Adulthood Schizophrenia typically develops during early adulthood. Its onset is characterized by changes in behavior and a deterioration in functioning in daily life. The most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include: - Nervousness and/or restlessness - Depression - [Anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-attack-5088600) - Difficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating - Worrying - Lack of self-confidence - Lack of energy and/or slowness - A worrying drop in grades or job performance - Social withdrawal and/or uneasiness around other people ### What Are Prodromal Symptoms in Schizophrenia? Some, but not all, people with schizophrenia experience a prodromal stage before the full-blown disorder happens. The prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia can be somewhat nonspecific and include feeling nervous, anxious, depressed, and having trouble concentrating. It can be hard to tell that these symptoms will ultimately be related to schizophrenia since they are also common in other mental and physical health disorders. Not everyone will experience these early warning signs at the same time in their lives. According to some studies, these prodromal symptoms can be present for years. ### Over the Age of 45 Most early warning signs of schizophrenia for people over the age of 45 are the same as those for people who develop schizophrenia at a younger age. Some scientists think that people who develop schizophrenia later in life will have fewer disorganized thinking and negative symptoms than people who develop it earlier. In the past, studies suggested that people who develop schizophrenia later in life may not have the same symptoms as people diagnosed earlier. However, more recent research suggests that the key features of schizophrenia—like negative symptoms—are often similar for people who are diagnosed at an older age compared to those who are diagnosed younger. ## When Schizophrenia Symptoms Start Symptoms usually start to develop in early adulthood, between late adolescence and the early 30s. The disorder typically becomes evident slightly earlier in men than it does in women. The symptoms of schizophrenia often show up between late adolescence and the early 20s in men and between the early 20s and the early 30s in women. ### Early Onset Schizophrenia When the disorder is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is referred to as early onset schizophrenia (EOS). EOS is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.23%. Even more rarely, schizophrenia can develop in very young children. This is called childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and it is diagnosed before the age of 13. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 40,000 children will have COS. It is thought to be extremely uncommon that COS will develop before the age of 10. ### Late-Onset Schizophrenia Although schizophrenia most commonly starts between late adolescence and the early 30s, it is estimated that up to 20% of patients first have symptoms after the age of 40 years old. Some scientists have identified this as a subtype of schizophrenia called late-onset schizophrenia (LOS). Women are more likely to be in this group than men. The symptoms typically develop in [menopause](https://www.verywellhealth.com/menopause-4014690), between ages 44 and 49 years old. However, it is still more common for schizophrenia to develop in early adulthood than at this time in life. ## Causes and Risk Factors Since a lot of the early signs of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions (like depression and anxiety), it’s important to understand why some people develop schizophrenia. While the exact [cause](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) of schizophrenia is not known, there are a few risk factors that researchers think make a person more likely to develop it. Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component and is highly heritable. Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors will be taken into account regarding a [diagnosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221) if you are thought to be experiencing these early warning signs of schizophrenia. For example, genetics, brain structure and function, and the environment a person grew up in (e.g., exposure to poverty, stress, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies) can all influence whether a person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime. ## Complications In the early stages of schizophrenia, the disorder can be confused with other common mental health conditions, like depression. It can be hard even for providers to tell them apart since most common early warning signs for schizophrenia are also among the most common initial symptoms for moderate to severe depression. It is not until the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and speech) of schizophrenia show up that it gets easier to tell apart from other mental health conditions. Getting the correct diagnosis and connecting people with support and treatment is crucial to keep them safe and help them manage life with the condition. People are at risk for suicidal thoughts and may act on those thoughts. The risk of suicide for people living with schizophrenia is higher for men and people who were diagnosed at a young age. Depression has been identified as a major risk factor for suicide among people living with schizophrenia. Having other mental health concerns, like substance use disorder, also increases the risk of suicide among people living with schizophrenia. If you or your loved one is thinking of or talking about harming themselves, contact someone who can help right away. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline)](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) at 800-237-8255. If you require immediate emergency care, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. ## When to See a Healthcare Provider Schizophrenia usually develops gradually, so it can be hard to pinpoint when changes in behavior start or whether they are something to worry about. In general, if you recognize that you’re having a pattern of concerning behaviors, take it as a sign that you need to talk to a provider about what you’re going through. If you are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia at each age, you may be more likely to spot them early. While these changes might not be concerning by themselves, if you or a loved one are having several of them, talk to a mental health professional. Keep in mind that it can be difficult for people to get help—especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as [paranoia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/paranoid-delusions-5095908). Read more: - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Mental Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-5079153) - [Psychotic Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychotic-disorders-5205105) 18 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. World Health Organization. [Schizophrenia](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia). 2. Catts SV, O'Toole BI. [The treatment of schizophrenia: Can we raise the standard of care?](https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867416672725) *Aust N Z J Psychiatry*. 2016;50(12):1128-1138. doi:10.1177/0004867416672725 3. Coulon N, Godin O, Bulzacka E, et al. [Early and very early‐onset schizophrenia compared with adult‐onset schizophrenia: French FACE‐SZ database.](https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1495) *Brain Behav*. 2020;10(2). doi:10.1002/brb3.1495 4. Ruiz-Castañeda P, Santiago Molina E, Aguirre Loaiza H, Daza González MT. [Positive symptoms of schizophrenia and their relationship with cognitive and emotional executive functions](https://doi.org/10.1186%2Fs41235-022-00428-z). *Cogn Res Princ Implic*. 2022;7(1):78. doi:10.1186/s41235-022-00428-z 5. National Institute of Mental Health. [Understanding psychosis](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis). 6. American Psychiatric Association. [What is schizophrenia?](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia). 7. Patel KR, Cherian J, Gohil K, Atkinson D. [Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4159061/). *P T*. 2014;39(9):638-645. 8. Parellada M, Gomez-Vallejo S, Burdeus M, Arango C. [Developmental differences between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder](https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbx126). *Schizophr Bull*. 2017;43(6):1176-1189. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbx126 9. Bartlett J. [Childhood-onset schizophrenia: what do we really know?](https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2014.927738). *Health Psychol Behav Med*. 2014;2(1):735-747. doi:10.1080/21642850.2014.927738 10. McClellan J, Stock S; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Committee on Quality Issues. [Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.02.008). *J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry*. 2013;52(9):976-990. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2013.02.008 11. Häfner H. [From onset and prodromal stage to a life-long course of schizophrenia and its symptom dimensions: how sex, age, and other risk factors influence incidence and course of illness](https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9804836). *Psychiatry J*. 2019;2019:9804836. doi:10.1155/2019/9804836 12. Häfner H. [The concept of schizophrenia: from unity to diversity](https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/929434). *Adv Psychiatry*. 2014;2014. doi:10.1155/2014/929434 13. George M, Maheshwari S, Chandran S, Manohar JS, Sathyanarayana Rao TS. [Understanding the schizophrenia prodrome](https://journals.lww.com/indianjpsychiatry/fulltext/2017/59040/understanding_the_schizophrenia_prodrome.19.aspx). *Indian J Psychiatry*. 2017;59(4):505-509. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry\_464\_17 14. Maglione JE, Thomas SE, Jeste DV. [Late-onset schizophrenia: do recent studies support categorizing LOS as a subtype of schizophrenia?](https://doi.org/10.1097%2FYCO.0000000000000049). *Curr Opin Psychiatry*. 2014;27(3):173-178. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000049 15. National Institute of Mental Health. [Schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia). 16. Petruzzelli MG, Margari L, Bosco A, Craig F, Palumbi R, Margari F. [Early onset first episode psychosis: dimensional structure of symptoms, clinical subtypes and related neurodevelopmental markers](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-017-1026-7). *Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry*. 2018;27(2):171-179. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1026-7 17. Driver DI, Gogtay N, Rapoport JL. [Childhood onset schizophrenia and early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.chc.2013.04.001). *Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am*. 2013;22(4):539-555. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2013.04.001 18. Sher L, Kahn RS. [Suicide in schizophrenia: An educational overview](https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fmedicina55070361). *Medicina (Kaunas)*. 2019;55(7):361. doi:10.3390/medicina55070361 ![Ruth Edwards headshot]() ![Ruth Edwards headshot](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/SQyXbo6cYv3WLLMkskhvJvQnFeo=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/IMG_94161-14545e38fe094b90b5fd5d9172a6ade7.jpg) By [Ruth Edwards](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ruth-edwards-5086015) Ruth is a journalist with experience covering a wide range of health and medical issues. As a BBC news producer, she investigated issues such as the growing mental health crisis among young people in the UK. [See Our Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other More In Schizophrenia Guide - [![Woman sitting on a couch]() ![Woman sitting on a couch](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/RbGw_jP9f1jpOD26ZN7KyJy630g=/260x156/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1194601644-55964f1e2c56488888cec7c1b560e101.jpg) Schizophrenia: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment 1 of 5 Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-8597724) - [![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.]() ![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/kJBbZ103TW5qzcjNqKl2OXBwTNU=/260x156/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-643310558-27784a5cf1fe4abda1c0bcfe6de68737.jpg) What Are the Subtypes of Schizophrenia? 2 of 5 Medically reviewed by Michael MacIntyre, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-schizophrenia-5094170) - [![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo]() ![Double exposure of man's profile - stock photo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Uij1Ce0FRD-6vohvvcWyQb6cRW8=/260x156/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-900247162-6a31fd6faed94e88a6d140db4d647f78.jpg) Early Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia 3 of 5 Medically reviewed by Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519) - [![A person looking out a window on rainy day]() ![A person looking out a window on rainy day](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/f5EENw8GOURRw9p4K5wQe_hyMYk=/260x156/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/schizophrenia-GettyImages-1171712946-566353ea24614b57a4ae27bf6657bffe.jpg) Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms: What to Know 4 of 5 Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091) - [![Doctor talking to patient and taking notes]() ![Doctor talking to patient and taking notes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/hLGwO1ROFN3uMTBjeuSGtobIv3U=/260x156/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1649273785-d5b9a3c51c324566bd462c26e4bc8194.jpg) How Schizophrenia Is Officially Diagnosed 5 of 5 Medically reviewed by Michael MacIntyre, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221) Related Articles [![A person looking out a window on rainy day]() ![A person looking out a window on rainy day](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Zj3cyEEm__8tv8d_VeyJmpILOt4=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/schizophrenia-GettyImages-1171712946-566353ea24614b57a4ae27bf6657bffe.jpg) Positive and Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-symptoms-8551091) [![Man sitting on floor with the lights off. ]() ![Man sitting on floor with the lights off. ](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4COOWzgDDn9PnxeYBK8c4H4zaQM=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-869634564-029ffb1c0dde47788a6493d318bb85dd.jpg) Key Differences Between Psychosis and Schizophrenia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia-5095195) [![man with schizophrenia ]() ![man with schizophrenia ](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/96UYDxQsd3iJo3Gd1ar14Qy5jc0=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-529513249-9d632904551647a6909fbf79f1bc9840.jpg) What Is Undifferentiated Schizophrenia?](https://www.verywellhealth.com/undifferentiated-schizophrenia-5095937) [![A man peeking outdoors through the blinds of a darkened room]() ![A man peeking outdoors through the blinds of a darkened room](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/OxIWJ7ykIXTwbZ2ab3kFmrAFjcA=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-138546114-ff57f620916343cd9cff522642d1d187.jpg) What Are Paranoid Delusions, and How Are They Treated?](https://www.verywellhealth.com/paranoid-delusions-5095908) [![Brain]() ![Brain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/gAi78dxQ0DHl7A0PMOC_sXpLguc=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1191709896-31537c37fb7d4a5087dcb4094d7d814f.jpg) Signs of Disorganized Schizophrenia and Treatments](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) [![Child with pica eats dirt or nonfood items]() ![Child with pica eats dirt or nonfood items](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/gIyicnBTDXkMxe7pP-YmOsA1qmA=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-6410-001197-7370838c0f9545cd802d44a5c4324513.jpg) Pica: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/pica-5083875) [![Social Anhedonia]() ![Social Anhedonia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/q7YBfDMXTR16f1qIGR-Y2tVphis=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/anhedonia-definition-5189496-notext-642770429f6f4be29f8aebef17c7992f.png) Anhedonia Causes and Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anhedonia-definition-5189496) [![A male doctor discusses a prescription medication with a female patient. The doctor is holding the medication.]() ![A male doctor discusses a prescription medication with a female patient. The doctor is holding the medication.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/A-8HGSRUj21h_A1vqdobvI03XeE=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-973287086-e9e3d3d4c2274a888d6f46fcc7a3cf99.jpg) SSRIs vs. SNRIs: How They Work](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ssris-vs-snris-5193051) [![Person lying on stomach in bed at home with blank stare]() ![Person lying on stomach in bed at home with blank stare](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/tpIYbJfy9uvma0BTjObtIu8JhhE=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/avolition-GettyImages-1421877961-9fd52cc155274fc29043cfcb83d52d44.jpg) What Is Avolition? Signs, Examples, and Treatment Options](https://www.verywellhealth.com/avolition-7372513) [![NPD vs HPD]() ![NPD vs HPD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/sc6VjG6tAe9eFn5jtn_17Meuzog=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/NPDvsHPD-4af8e6e2044e4b44b060fd1bafd3a2bd.jpg) Histrionic vs. Narcissistic Disorders: Key Traits and Differences](https://www.verywellhealth.com/histrionic-vs-narcissistic-personality-disorder-5215359) [![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.]() ![A mature man with dark hair and a beard touching his face with his hands and looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/hHkxUUm2xejiBZBNp-RxN95oI7I=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-643310558-27784a5cf1fe4abda1c0bcfe6de68737.jpg) What Are the Different Types of Schizophrenia?](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-schizophrenia-5094170) [![Sad woman leaning on bed]() ![Sad woman leaning on bed](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/7EpP_WPDqWAwBOMpXhweOEmc8ok=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/abandonment-43e5b37126194b2aa668879555b1992e.jpg) How to Tell if You Have Abandonment Issues](https://www.verywellhealth.com/abandonment-trauma-5211575) [![How Selective Mutism Affects Adults]() ![How Selective Mutism Affects Adults](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/itXDT34W9HTR7uzyOVvN3O0c0V0=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/How-Selective-Mutism-Affects-Adults-WEB-notext-FINAL-1-bbe13772e9b949178d3512ceb0cfbbcf.jpg) How Selective Mutism Affects Adults](https://www.verywellhealth.com/selective-mutism-in-adults-8631321) [![Woman at therapy group]() ![Woman at therapy group](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/BA04EphMPo8Q-zEdmWba7fdECl4=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1322669194-3345a5d32f3949d9854fef802621d5b7.jpg) What Is a Psychopath?](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychopath-5235293) [![Woman holds hugs herself and stares off to her left with gray background]() ![Woman holds hugs herself and stares off to her left with gray background](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/_GvA34ACuyD3YS6i3__hx8NQ-EI=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-10935098241-fe0045c7d18b492dbabef90001f6e08e.jpg) Types of Psychosis and Their Causes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/different-types-of-psychosis-5095671) [![Mother holding upset boy]() ![Mother holding upset boy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/zNZhA_XMCvmIEqn8B7xf7eDF06I=/400x250/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1318656634-96bc7f1bd3784c0db8dd88843877ab83.jpg) Managing ADHD and ODD When They Occur Together](https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-for-managing-adhd-and-odd-in-kids-and-adults-5207996) - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Prevention & Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prevention-and-treatment-4158390) - [Health Care](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-care-4014769) - [News](https://www.verywellhealth.com/news-4846412) - [Meet Our Review Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) - [About Us](https://www.verywellhealth.com/about-us-5180305) - [Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.people.inc/brands-privacy) - [In the News](https://www.verywellhealth.com/in-the-news-4778971) - [Advertise](https://www.people.inc/advertising) - [Terms of Service](https://www.people.inc/brands-termsofservice) - [Careers](https://www.people.inc/careers) - [Contact](https://www.verywellhealth.com/about-us-5180305#toc-contact-us) Follow Us Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved Verywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https://www.people.inc/) publishing family.

Readable Markdown

### Key Takeaways - Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can start with subtle signs like social withdrawal and strange behavior. - Early symptoms of schizophrenia can look like other mental health conditions, making it hard to diagnose. - Recognizing early warning signs and getting help from a healthcare provider is important for managing schizophrenia. [Schizophrenia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-8597724) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include: - **Young children:** Delayed development - **Older kids and teens:** Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing - **Adults:** Restlessness, anxiety, low energy, not taking care of oneself (e.g., personal hygiene), decrease in work performance, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal It is estimated that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of adults worldwide. Schizophrenia usually develops slowly, with early warning signs starting before the first severe episode. Knowing these warning signs can help a healthcare provider diagnose schizophrenia sooner and make sure that a person living with the condition gets the care and support that they need. Westend61 / Getty images ## Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia The time during which the early warning signs of schizophrenia are experienced is called the [prodromal stage](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prodromal-schizophrenia-5194244). The onset of schizophrenia can last from months to years. The first signs of schizophrenia can be different depending on how old a person is when the disorder develops. The age at which someone develops schizophrenia is thought to influence the symptoms they will have. Even though men and women have roughly similar rates of schizophrenia, they tend to develop the condition at slightly different ages. ### Positive Signs Positive symptoms can be the first signs of schizophrenia. In mental health terms, "positive" means these symptoms are present, not that they are beneficial. For instance, someone with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, while someone without the condition would not. Early positive symptoms might worsen before a severe episode of [psychosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia-5095195). These warning signs include: - Confusing speech - Strange and/or intense thoughts and feelings - New difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating - Suspiciousness of or uneasiness with others (paranoia) - Trouble telling reality from fantasy, seeing and/or hearing things that are not there (delusions/hallucinations) These early warning signs might continue and could worsen, especially without diagnosis and treatment. ### Negative Signs Negative symptoms of schizophrenia tend to develop later. "Negative" means these traits are absent or reduced. People with schizophrenia often show fewer typical behaviors, such as the ability to feel pleasure or engage in conversation. Examples of negative symptoms include: - Limited talking or no talking - Having no feelings (flat affect) - Spending a lot more time alone than usual (withdrawing socially) - Lack of initiative (for example, not completing tasks at home, work, or school) - Decline in self-care or personal hygiene - Being unable to feel pleasure ## Schizophrenia Warning Signs by Age Schizophrenia can vary from person to person, as individuals may not experience all positive or negative symptoms. The condition can also present differently based on the age when it develops. ### In Young Children People who are diagnosed with [schizophrenia in childhood](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) have more developmental delays than people who are diagnosed later in life. Very early developmental warning signs of schizophrenia include: - **Delayed motor development** (such as not walking until over 18 months old) - **Delayed speech and/or language development** (such as not speaking meaningful two- or three-word phrases until over 36 months old) - **Impaired social development at an early age** (such as not using gestures to communicate or failing to regulate facial expressions) It is important to note that these delays are not always a sign of schizophrenia. There are also other reasons a child may have delays, so it’s important to have them evaluated by their provider. ### In Teenagers Before the onset of schizophrenia, adolescents often develop changes in behavior. They are likely to end up struggling in school—one of the most common issues reported in teens diagnosed with schizophrenia. Early warning signs of schizophrenia in teens include: - Difficulty concentrating and paying attention - Unexplained functional decline - Increased introversion - Loneliness - [Depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/clinical-depression-7643137) - Aggression - Suicidal ideation - Theft - Bizarre behaviors It is hard to diagnose schizophrenia in adolescents because many of the features of the condition are also common during normal childhood development. For example, a normal part of childhood is having vivid imaginations and fantasies. However, these can be misunderstood to be hallucinations—a symptom of schizophrenia. It is thought that children might be less likely to have paranoid delusions (the belief that others are out to harm them) than people who develop schizophrenia at an older age. Ellen Lindner / Verywell ### In Early Adulthood Schizophrenia typically develops during early adulthood. Its onset is characterized by changes in behavior and a deterioration in functioning in daily life. The most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include: - Nervousness and/or restlessness - Depression - [Anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-attack-5088600) - Difficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating - Worrying - Lack of self-confidence - Lack of energy and/or slowness - A worrying drop in grades or job performance - Social withdrawal and/or uneasiness around other people ### What Are Prodromal Symptoms in Schizophrenia? Some, but not all, people with schizophrenia experience a prodromal stage before the full-blown disorder happens. The prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia can be somewhat nonspecific and include feeling nervous, anxious, depressed, and having trouble concentrating. It can be hard to tell that these symptoms will ultimately be related to schizophrenia since they are also common in other mental and physical health disorders. Not everyone will experience these early warning signs at the same time in their lives. According to some studies, these prodromal symptoms can be present for years. ### Over the Age of 45 Most early warning signs of schizophrenia for people over the age of 45 are the same as those for people who develop schizophrenia at a younger age. Some scientists think that people who develop schizophrenia later in life will have fewer disorganized thinking and negative symptoms than people who develop it earlier. In the past, studies suggested that people who develop schizophrenia later in life may not have the same symptoms as people diagnosed earlier. However, more recent research suggests that the key features of schizophrenia—like negative symptoms—are often similar for people who are diagnosed at an older age compared to those who are diagnosed younger. ## When Schizophrenia Symptoms Start Symptoms usually start to develop in early adulthood, between late adolescence and the early 30s. The disorder typically becomes evident slightly earlier in men than it does in women. The symptoms of schizophrenia often show up between late adolescence and the early 20s in men and between the early 20s and the early 30s in women. ### Early Onset Schizophrenia When the disorder is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is referred to as early onset schizophrenia (EOS). EOS is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.23%. Even more rarely, schizophrenia can develop in very young children. This is called childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and it is diagnosed before the age of 13. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 40,000 children will have COS. It is thought to be extremely uncommon that COS will develop before the age of 10. ### Late-Onset Schizophrenia Although schizophrenia most commonly starts between late adolescence and the early 30s, it is estimated that up to 20% of patients first have symptoms after the age of 40 years old. Some scientists have identified this as a subtype of schizophrenia called late-onset schizophrenia (LOS). Women are more likely to be in this group than men. The symptoms typically develop in [menopause](https://www.verywellhealth.com/menopause-4014690), between ages 44 and 49 years old. However, it is still more common for schizophrenia to develop in early adulthood than at this time in life. ## Causes and Risk Factors Since a lot of the early signs of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions (like depression and anxiety), it’s important to understand why some people develop schizophrenia. While the exact [cause](https://www.verywellhealth.com/disorganized-schizophrenia-5097138) of schizophrenia is not known, there are a few risk factors that researchers think make a person more likely to develop it. Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component and is highly heritable. Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors will be taken into account regarding a [diagnosis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/schizophrenia-diagnosis-8550221) if you are thought to be experiencing these early warning signs of schizophrenia. For example, genetics, brain structure and function, and the environment a person grew up in (e.g., exposure to poverty, stress, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies) can all influence whether a person will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime. ## Complications In the early stages of schizophrenia, the disorder can be confused with other common mental health conditions, like depression. It can be hard even for providers to tell them apart since most common early warning signs for schizophrenia are also among the most common initial symptoms for moderate to severe depression. It is not until the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts and speech) of schizophrenia show up that it gets easier to tell apart from other mental health conditions. Getting the correct diagnosis and connecting people with support and treatment is crucial to keep them safe and help them manage life with the condition. People are at risk for suicidal thoughts and may act on those thoughts. The risk of suicide for people living with schizophrenia is higher for men and people who were diagnosed at a young age. Depression has been identified as a major risk factor for suicide among people living with schizophrenia. Having other mental health concerns, like substance use disorder, also increases the risk of suicide among people living with schizophrenia. If you or your loved one is thinking of or talking about harming themselves, contact someone who can help right away. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline)](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) at 800-237-8255. If you require immediate emergency care, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. ## When to See a Healthcare Provider Schizophrenia usually develops gradually, so it can be hard to pinpoint when changes in behavior start or whether they are something to worry about. In general, if you recognize that you’re having a pattern of concerning behaviors, take it as a sign that you need to talk to a provider about what you’re going through. If you are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia at each age, you may be more likely to spot them early. While these changes might not be concerning by themselves, if you or a loved one are having several of them, talk to a mental health professional. Keep in mind that it can be difficult for people to get help—especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as [paranoia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/paranoid-delusions-5095908).

ML Classification

ML Categories

/Health		99.8%
/Health/Mental_Health		98.0%
/Health/Mental_Health/Other		93.1%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Health": 998,
    "/Health/Mental_Health": 980,
    "/Health/Mental_Health/Other": 931
}

ML Page Types

/Article		99.9%
/Article/Definitions		48.8%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Article": 999,
    "/Article/Definitions": 488
}

ML Intent Types

Informational

99.9%

Raw JSON

{
    "Informational": 999
}

Content Metadata

Language

Author

null

Publish Time

not set

Original Publish Time

2021-02-07 19:48:24 (5 years ago)

Republished

Word Count (Total)

2,881

Word Count (Content)

1,781

Links

External Links

Internal Links

Technical SEO

Meta Nofollow

Meta Noarchive

Yes

JS Rendered

Redirect Target

null

Performance

Download Time (ms)

215

TTFB (ms)

162

Download Size (bytes)

58,842

Shard

50 (laksa)

Root Hash

5681562863987870850

Unparsed URL

com,verywellhealth!www,/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519 s443