Schizophrenia, age and genetic

My mum and my sister are diagnosed with schizophrenia.

I have been doing some reading on the Internet, and there seems to be a range for the disease to strike (18 to 25). A therapist told me as I have passed the age, I am safe.

However, I am skeptical. My mum only show the full set of symptoms a few months ago (though she was prone to negative thoughts and depression).

Have anyone come across those who developed schizophrenia older than 30?

Women tend to develop schizophrenia later than men. Whereas guys starting showing signs in the late teens, women often start in their late 20s, early 30s. They also go through another peak during menopause. The current thinking is that estrogen is protective.

My therapist did not know about this and kept assuring me that I was safe (it runs in my family as well). So I had to update her knowledge about it so she wouldn’t think I was being totally irrational.

Two things:

  1. It is common for individuals who have close relatives with the disease to be overly concerned about getting it. There’s actually an OCD obsession where people obsess over being crazy. (Ironically, having OC symptoms is a risk factor for schizophrenia).

  2. The disorder has been conceptualized as a spectrum now. So one can be a “little” schizophrenic without actually having the full-blown disorder. If you’re showing a few signs, it does not mean it’s going to progress. It just means you can see glimpses of a certain genetic vulnerability.

There was a time when I thought I was in for it. Especially right after I got my PD diagnosis. But now I’m feeling like it won’t be that big of a deal if it comes, but it probably won’t, so there’s nothing to fear. If it comes, I have an idea of how it will manifest itself (disorganization and catatonia rather than paranoia and hallucinations). I have a relationship with a professional who provides supportive therapy and external monitoring. I make sure I sleep enough and avoid unnecessary stress and triggers (like marijuana or excessive alcohol consumption). I am staying away from anti-psychotics and aim to do so for the rest of my life. So in a way, knowing that you have an elevated risk can be empowering and take away the fear a little.

We put threads seeking medical and psychological advice and anecdotes in IMHO, so let me move this there for you. [/mod]

Coincidentally, I’m currently reading The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok, a memoir of the daughter of a schizophrenic.

Wishing you the best as you deal with this.