Psychological and social factors may also play some role in its development. Previously held theories that considered schizophrenia a result of communication or child-rearing practices have been discredited. However, the level of social and familial support appears to influence the course of illness and may be protective against relapse. No single characteristic is present in all types of schizophrenia. The risk factors include a family history of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia appears to occur in equal rates among men and women, but women have a later onset.
For this reason, males tend to account for more than half of clients in services with high proportions of young adults. Childhood-onset schizophrenia begins after five years of age and, in most cases, after relatively normal development. Childhood schizophrenia is rare and can be difficult to differentiate from other pervasive developmental disorders of childhood, such as autism . All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved.