While the provided reference does not specify the exact age when delusions alone start, it indicates the typical age range for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, a mental health condition where delusions are a common symptom. According to the reference, schizophrenia is generally diagnosed in the late teens years to early thirties.
Typical Age Range for Diagnosis
The reference states that schizophrenia is most often diagnosed:
- In the late teens years
- Up through the early thirties
This period marks the typical emergence of symptoms associated with the condition, which can include delusions.
Gender Differences in Onset
The age of onset for schizophrenia can differ between sexes:
- Males: Tend to experience onset earlier, typically in late adolescence – early twenties.
- Females: Tend to experience onset later, generally in early twenties – early thirties.
Understanding Delusions in Schizophrenia
Delusions are false, fixed beliefs that are not consistent with a person's culture and cannot be shaken, even when presented with proof that they are false. They are considered a core symptom of schizophrenia. Therefore, the onset of delusions, when part of a schizophrenic illness, is commonly observed within the typical age ranges mentioned above for the diagnosis of the condition.
It is important to note that the reference focuses on the typical diagnostic window for schizophrenia. Individual experiences can vary.